Stone-like fruit is associated with reduced herbivory and enhanced reproductive success in an alpine legume (Phyllolobium heydei)

Key Points

• Investigate how the stone-like fruit structure of Phyllolobium heydei impacts herbivory and reproductive success in an alpine ecosystem.
• Analyzed fruit morphology of Phyllolobium heydei
• Assessed levels of herbivory on fruit
• Evaluated reproductive success metrics in relation to fruit characteristics
• Stone-like fruits had significantly lower herbivory rates compared to non-stone-like fruits
• Increased reproductive success was observed in populations with stone-like fruit morphology