12 



are typically subdivided into patchily distributed 

 large colonies, spread over extensive areas. 



A summary of the population size and condition for 

 each site is given in Table 2. 



3 . REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY 



a. TYPE OF REPRODUCTION: Claytonia lanceolata 

 var. f lava appears to reproduce by sexual 

 production of seeds; these give rise to 

 plants with deep-seated corms. Vegetative 

 spread by growth or splitting of the corms 

 was not observed in specimens collected 

 during field surveys in 1988. 



b. POLLINATION BIOLOGY: The details are 

 unknown, but it is possible that C. 

 lanceolata var. f lava is predominantly self- 

 pollinating; the flowers close in the late 

 afternoon, and open again with warming during 

 the morning. This corolla closure is tight 

 enough that self-pollination may occur as a 

 result of the anthers being pressed toward 

 the stigma. However, insects (small bees) 

 were observed visiting the flowers at the 

 French Creek site on 18 May 1988; it is 

 possible that some pollination results from 

 such activity. 



c. SEED DISPERSAL AND BIOLOGY: Details unknown; 

 the seeds of these perennial Claytonia taxa 

 are relatively large, and it is likely that 

 dispersal does not extend far from the 

 parental plants. The large seed size is 

 possibly an adaption allowing for efficient 

 germination and corm establishment in the 

 dense associated vegetation of the meadow 

 habitats. 



G. POPULATION ECOLOGY 



1. BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS 



a. COMPETITION: As noted in I.F.3.C. above, C. 

 lanceolata var. f lava occurs in the dense 

 grassland/forb vegetation of meadow habitats. 

 However, annual growth and flowering occur 

 early in the growing season, prior to 

 vigorous growth by many of the associated 

 species. This phenological pattern may allow 

 for efficient germination and photosynthesis, 

 especially considering the short stature of 

 mature individuals. 



