The role of post-floral persistent perianth in Helleborus viridis subsp occidentalis (Ranunculaceae)

Species within the genus Helleborus differ in the relative location of their sepals. Previous studies have proved the existence of post-floral functionality of sepals in H. foetidus, which leads us to consider the possibility of differences in the functionality of the sepals in H. viridis subsp. occidentalis. In this study, we analyzed their influence on the number and weight of seeds through experimental manipulations, which involve a progressive reduction of sepals following fertilization. Our results show that different levels of perianth reduction have no effect on the number and weight of seeds in Helleborus viridis subsp. occidentalis. We propose that differences in the timing of leaf development and changes in the position of floral organs among the different Helleborus species, underlie a distinctive response to the ever-changing weather conditions of the European winters and springs.