Reproductive Biology of the Two Varieties of L.- var. (L.) Link and var. (Ball.) Maire-An Endemic Endangered Species.

The reproductive system is essential for the structuring and transmission of genetic diversity. Understanding the reproductive biology of threatened endemic species is considered to be a crucial element for the implementation of effective conservation strategies. Given the lack of information and the insufficient state of knowledge on the reproductive system of L., a threatened medicinal species endemic to Morocco, we are the first to study the reproductive biology of two varieties of L.: var. (L.) Link and var. (Ball.) Maire. The reproductive biology of the two varieties was examined in detail by studying the development of the inflorescence, phenology of flowering, breeding system, pollinators, production, and seed dispersal. The experimental results described in this work suggest that L. is a gynomonic species, with a mixed autogamy-allogamy reproductive regime with a high predominance of allogamy. It appears to be partially self-incompatible, with allogamy rates for var. (Ball.) Maire and var. (L.) Link of 78.70% and 79.01%, respectively. It depends on pollination vectors to produce a large number of seeds. This study on the breeding system of L. provides a tool for developing management strategies and adequate conservation measures.