The Phenology of Osmunda claytoniana L. in the Tataka Area, Central Taiwan
摘要
The phenology of Osmunda claytoniana L. was studied in the Tataka area of Taiwan, a high-elevation (2,600~2,900 m) temperate area, from April to October 2006. There were 38 plants in 2 populations. Frond length, emergence, expansion, and senescence, and spore maturation and release were documented. Fertile fronds emerged during late April to early May, whereas sterile fronds emerged during May to late June. It took 25~45 d for fronds to fully expand. Spores matured in late May and most dispersed from late May to mid-June. Frond number and average length were significantly greater for mature plants than for immature plants. The average length of fertile fronds was not significantly greater than that of sterile fronds. The growing season was from late April to October. Fronds lived 135 d on average. However, pinnae bearing spores (parts of the fertile fronds) senesced within 2 wk after spore release, whereas other pinnae (those without spores) lasted until October.