Fruit and Seed Size Variability of Fraxinus Ornus Subsp. Cilicica

Abstract

In this exploratory study, the interpopulation variation of samaras (fruits) and seeds of Fraxinus ornus subsp. cilicica,
an endemic tree in southern Turkey, and the effect of climate and geographical distribution on the samara and seed traits
were investigated for eight provenances. Provenances varied greatly in terms of samara and seed traits. The average
weight of samaras from the eight provenances was 0.030 g (weight of 1,000 seeds = 30 g). Provenances with the heaviest
and lightest samaras, on average, were Menzelet (0.036 g) and Eğirdir (0.024 g), respectively. The average length and
width of samaras were 24.11 mm and 4.89 mm, respectively. The greatest variability was observed in seed weight. The
average weight, length, and thickness of seeds were 0.018 g, 9.16 mm, and 1.66 mm, respectively. Among the eight
provenances, the widths of samaras decreased significantly with altitude. Precipitation did not significantly affect the
traits of either fruits or seeds. Temperature significantly correlated only with the widths of samaras.