The pollination biology of the androdioecious species Tapiscia sinensis was studied by the flowering dynamics,
pollinators, morphology and structure of flower, breeding system, pollen viability and the acceptance of stigma of
hermaphroditic flower. T. sinensis is a typical androdioecious species with male and hermaphroditic individuals. Hermaphroditic flowers have functional pollen and are self-compatible. Pollen viability from males was more than 10 times higher than that from hermaphrodites. The flowering phonology of both male and hermaphroditic individuals was identical. The duration of flowering was from late May to early June. The anthesis of a single flower could be prolonged to 4–5 d. The stamens appeared to show heterotypical maturation and prolonged the pollen dispersion period of a single flower. Hermaphrodites were protogyny, and the stigma had acceptance during the entire anthesis. T. sinensis is a wind- and insect-pollinated species. Insects, such as bees and hoverfly were the main pollinators; the highest visiting time was between 8:30 and 10:30. The maintenance mechanism of T. sinensis species may be as follows: males increase the quantity and quality of pollen for outcrossing, and the stamens of hermaphrodites may assure reproduction and be a reward for the pollinator.
Wen Lü, Wenzhe Liu
. Pollination Biology in Androdioecious Species Tapiscia sinensis (Staphyleaceae)[J]. Chinese Bulletin of Botany, 2010
, 45(06)
: 713
-722
.
DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-3466.2010.06.009