Interactions

Aconitum napellus has many interactions with other species whether it be through mutualism, parasitism, or competition.

One very important mutualistic relationship exhibited by A. napellus is that with its pollinators. The two organisms both benefit from the relationship in their own way. Pollinators are able to get food from the nectar produced by the flower, whereas A. napellus gets its pollen transported the pollen receptors at another plant which helps it reproduce. To see a video depicting the relationship between A. napellus and its primary pollinator, the bumblebee, click here.

Parasitism is another type of relationship that A. napellus shares with many other organisms. These organisms can be of all different shapes sizes and characteristics. Unfortunately though, A. napellus is negatively affected by these different parasites that  use the plant as their host to steal nutrients and other materials necessary for their own growth and reproduction. A few of the diseases common to A. napellus are Crown rot  caused by the species of fungus Sclerotium dephinii, powdery mildew  caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum (pictured on a plant below), and verticillium wilt  caused by Verticillium albo-atrum.

Not all the relationships A. napellus has with fungi are bad. There is also a mutual relationship between A. napellus and the group of fungi known as the glomeromycota. These fungi incorporate themselves into the root of the plant, and in exchange for the extra food and protection they get from the plant, the fungus grows to help increase the surface area of the root. This allows the plant to take up even more water and nutrients from the soil allowing it to continue growing.

In the energy pyramid or food web A. napellus fits in as a primary producer, making its own food through photosynthesis as a photoautotroph. Some other organisms in the same habitat as A. napellus are discussed in the habitat webpage. To go there click on the link here.

In interactions with humans in particular, A. napellus is used as medication and also is used just for decoration since so beautiful. To hear more about the medical effects of A. napellus click here. In our history human beings have also used A. napellus to help poison others and ourselves, and also  to help kill animals that were bothering us.

So the main thing to take away is the fact the Aconitum napellus is important to many different organisms and holds a pivotal part in the general web of life within its ecosystem.

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