Abstract:
Floral economics spectrum is a series of interconnected, synergistically varying combinations of functional floral traits formed by angiosperms, and it is also capable of quantitatively describing a series of regularly and continuously varying plant resource trade-off strategies. Since the concept of leaf economics spectrum was proposed, the method of economics spectrum has become a hotspot in ecological research. The economics spectrum studies related to different tissues or organs of plants have appeared successively, such as plant root economics spectrum, stem economics spectrum and wood economics spectrum. The introduction of economics spectrum allows quantitative analyses of plant functional traits and their relationships, explores how plants maximize resource acquisition and use, and provides a theoretical basis for understanding numerous ecological phenomena. However, the research on floral traits and flower economics spectrum progressed slowly. Although the flower is an important reproductive organ of plants and floral traits have a close connection with plant adaptations. This paper summarized the origin, basis and the current development of flower economics spectrum, and pointed out the shortcomings of the current research on it. In addition, it looked forward to the future development of flower economics spectrum, and rationally called for the construction of flower economics spectrum applicable to a large scale.