Morfologiska egenheter och vegetativa förökningsmetoder - en studie av ormbunksväxter

Abstract

This thesis investigates the possibility of linking together morphological peculiarities with specific methods of vegetative propagation. Through close examination of the morphology of Matteuccia struthiopteris the similarities of old fronds to that of the scales on the bulbs of lillies was established, despite them being separated by millions of years of evolution. The similarities between these plants are however not just morphological, for the investigation has shown that the old fronds have a similar purpose and serve similar functions to the fern as the scales do for the lillies. Through a semi-successful attempt to propagate the fern, using a modified method for propagating lillies, the investigation also showed that the ferns old fronds could be considered similar to the scales of lillies in yet another way. The study concluded that there is a link between the plants touched upon in this case study, but it is by no means conclusive evidence of the concept working in general. The thesis will though serve as an applicable way of testing the concept further.