Abstract
The common Mediterranean ruderal thistleSilybum marianum is associated with nutrient-rich sites. Its wind-dispersed achenes possess an oily food body, that is attractive to harvester-ants. Following removal of the oily body, the achenes are deposited in the refuse zone together with rich organic material and soil removed from the nest; while in the nest the achenes are partly protected from fires. The thistle grows successfully in the nutrient-enriched refuse zone and thus dominates patches in the grassland. Preadaptations to live in association with harvester-ants enableS. marianum to occur also on marking stations of male gazelle, on cattle dung deposits, and in synanthropic ruderal habitats.
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Danin, A., Yom-Tov, Y. Ant nests as primary habitats ofSilybum marianum (Compositae). Pl Syst Evol 169, 209–217 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00937675
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00937675