Original Research

Reproductive biology of Stomatium bolusiae (Aizoaceae: Ruschioideae)

P. C. Zietsman
Bothalia | Vol 43, No 1 | a83 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v43i1.83 | © 2013 P. C. Zietsman | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 13 January 2013 | Published: 13 January 2013

About the author(s)

P. C. Zietsman, Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

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Abstract

Flowers of Stomatium bolusiae are self-incompatible. The species exhibits crepuscular and nocturnal anthesis, exploiting two different pollination mechanisms. The structure of the hermaphroditic flower appears not to favour cross-pollination. The stigmata are never exposed to pollinating agents, which gain access to the floral rewards by forcing their way between the anthers. Clogging of the stigmatic surfaces by self-pollen is common. Nocturnal anthesis, concomitant with the nocturnal release of attractants and the offering of rewards, indicates that this species is primarily phalaenophilous and secondarily melittophilous, exhibiting a bimodal pollination system.

Keywords

Aizoaceae; Crepuscular; Melittophily; Phalaenophily; Pollination; Ruschioideae; Seed Germination; Stomatium Schwantes

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