Vafa M. Alosmanova, Zulfiyya J. Mammadova, Kamala A. Asadova, Vazeh S. Bakhshiyev, Elshad M. Gurbanov, Afat O. Mammadova

Ontogenetic features of Sternbergia vernalis and dynamics of its bulb development

Santrauka This study addresses the limited understanding of underground morphogenesis and adaptive mechanisms in the endangered geophyte Sternbergia vernalis (Miller) Gorer & J.H. Harvey. To characterise its bulb development, we cultivated wild specimens collected from the northeastern Greater Caucasus ex situ at a soil depth of 20 cm. During the 2023–2024 growing seasons, we combined phenological observations, stereomicroscopic examination of anatomical sections, and graphical analysis of renewal-bud development. Mature bulbs comprised 15–20 fleshy scales formed over four consecutive growing seasons and had 7–9 cm-long neck. Floral differentiation began in May, when soil temperature reached 34°C, and the first floral shoot was initiated by late June. Renewal-bud growth continued from July to early September despite high temperatures, root absence, and dry summer conditions. These findings indicate that Sternbergia vernalis does not undergo true physiological dormancy; instead, slow underground morphogenesis continues throughout the annual cycle. Sustained bulb development and early preformation of vegetative and reproductive organs appear to support survival, regeneration, and reproduction in arid and variable environments. Bulb development was also linked to soil temperature and moisture, highlighting the species’ responsiveness to climatic cha

Doi https://doi.org/10.35513/Botlit.2026.3.4

Raktažodžiai adaptation, bulb development, geophyte, morphogenesis, ontogeny

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