青藏高原露蕊乌头不同海拔居群的开花持续期与繁殖分配

对青藏高原东部3个不同海拔居群的露蕊乌头(Aconitum gymnandrum)(毛茛科)开花持续期和繁殖分配进行了野外观察和检测试验。结果表明:(1)随着海拔的升高,露蕊乌头的开花持续期时间延长,且不同居群间存在显著差异。(2)露蕊乌头的植株个体越大,繁殖投入越高。(3)露蕊乌头的繁殖分配在地上总生物量中所占的比例随海拔升高而增加。研究认为,露蕊乌头在高海拔地区较高的繁殖分配比例强调了有性繁殖在高山恶劣环境中的重要性,而高海拔地区开花持续期的延长补偿了传粉昆虫的减少并增加了对传粉昆虫的吸引能力。     

雌先熟植物茄参（茄科）的繁育系统

对分布于云南西北部的茄参（Mandragoraca caulescens）的繁育系统进行了研究。茄参的花期为5月底到6月初,单花持续时间为（9．9±2．8）d,其性表达方式为雌性先熟。有三种昆虫拜访茄参的花,白背熊蜂蜂王是最有效的传粉昆虫,但其访花频率很低;苍蝇和蚂蚁的访花频率较高,但苍蝇传粉效率十分有限;蚂蚁是窃蜜者。授粉实验证明茄参具有部分自交亲和能力,但由于雌性先熟,不具备主动自交能力。人工添加异交花粉显著提高了结实率和结籽数,证明茄参存在花粉限制。茄科的大部分植物是严格自交不亲和的,但茄参族的茄参是自交部分亲和,这和茄科天仙子族的部分成员类似。我们认为这两个独立起源于新世界向欧亚大陆扩散事件的族,各自从自交不亲和向自交亲和转变可能与高山地区恶劣的自然条件有关,这种繁育系统的进化模式是否具有普遍性值得进一步研究。     

濒危植物独花兰的传粉生物学初步观察

独花兰(Changnienia amoena Chien)为我国特有的单种属植物,近年因生境破碎化和过度采挖,其野生资源日渐减少。迄今对独花兰极为有限的研究表明,其结实率很低或根本不结实,其传粉媒介也一直未被发现。2002年3～4月,我们对神农架2个移植居群和5个天然居群进行了传粉生物学的定点观察,发现雌性三条熊蜂(Bombus (Diversobombus)trifasciatus Smith)、仿熊蜂(Bombus (Tricornibombus) imitator Pittion)和蜜蜂均访问独花兰,但只有二条熊蜂身体粘有花粉块,是独花兰的有效传粉者。三条熊蜂的访问频率很低,在113h的观察中只有9次访问,但在一个天然居群(population 3)中曾观察到一天4次的最高访问频率;访问主要在12：00～15：00出现,但在花上停留时间很短,不超过10s。在末被授粉的情况下,独花兰花朵大约3周后自然枯萎,但受粉后3、4d内即出现～系列形态和颜色的变化,包括花梗逐渐伸长,子房在花梗逐渐停止伸长后开始膨大等,表明花梗伸长可作为结实(授粉成功)的指标。人工授粉实验表明,自花、异花受粉后花梗均伸长,而套袋隔离花的则花梗不伸长,说明独花兰是自交亲和的异交种,需要昆虫传粉。根据传粉者的访问频率、居群中果实的分布,尤其是花距内无花蜜等特征,我们认为独花兰是一种欺骗性传粉的兰花。相对于其他欺骗性传粉的兰花,独花兰的自然结实率并不很低(26．98％),这与居群规模小会提高欺骗性传粉兰花结实率这一观点吻合。花粉块的输出数远高于结实数,这说明独花兰存在一定的花粉浪费。     

雌先熟植物茄参 （茄科）的繁育系统

对分布于云南西北部的茄参（Mandragora caulescens）的繁育系统进行了研究。茄参的花期为5月底到6月初,单花持续时间为（9.9±2.8）d,其性表达方式为雌性先熟。有三种昆虫拜访茄参的花,白背熊蜂蜂王是最有效的传粉昆虫,但其访花频率很低;苍蝇和蚂蚁的访花频率较高,但苍蝇传粉效率十分有限;蚂蚁是窃蜜者。授粉实验证明茄参具有部分自交亲和能力,但由于雌性先熟,不具备主动自交能力。人工添加异交花粉显著提高了结实率和结籽数,证明茄参存在花粉限制。茄科的大部分植物是严格自交不亲和的,但茄参族的茄参是自交部分亲和,这和茄科天仙子族的部分成员类似。我们认为这两个独立起源于新世界向欧亚大陆扩散事件的族,各自从自交不亲和向自交亲和转变可能与高山地区恶劣的自然条件有关,这种繁育系统的进化模式是否具有普遍性值得进一步研究。     

不同海拔圆叶天女花的传粉生物学研究

对国家Ⅱ级重点保护野生植物、准四川省特有植物和优先拯救保护的极小种群植物圆叶天女花[Oyama sinensis(Rehder et E.H.Wilson)N.H.Xia et C.Y.Wu]在不同海拔居群[P1(海拔1 758 m)、P2(海拔1 988 m)、P3(海拔2 181 m)和P4(海拔2 397 m)居群]的花部特征、花粉活力和柱头可授性进行了研究,并对其访花昆虫的种类和访花行为进行了观察。结果表明:P2和P3居群圆叶天女花的花朵直径、花被片长和花被片宽总体上显著(P0.05)大于P1和P4居群,而4个居群间花朵长的差异不显著(P0.05)。随着海拔升高,圆叶天女花在雄蕊和雌蕊投入上逐渐减少,其雄蕊、雌蕊、花粉和胚珠的数量以及花粉/胚珠比(P/O)总体上呈逐渐减小的趋势。高海拔居群(P3和P4居群)圆叶天女花的花粉活力和柱头可授性明显高于低海拔居群(P1和P2居群),雄蕊和雌蕊的寿命更长。熊蜂(Bombus ningpoensis)、花蚊子(Aedes albopictus)、中华蜜蜂(Apis cerana)、食蚜蝇(Syrphus sp.)和白粉蝶(Pieris rapae)为圆叶天女花的有效传粉昆虫,其中,主要访花昆虫熊蜂的访问高峰期为10:00—14:00。P2和P3居群圆叶天女花花朵的展示效果较好,访花昆虫种类较多(10~11种)。随着海拔升高,圆叶天女花访花昆虫的访问次数逐渐减少。研究结果显示:随着海拔升高,延长花粉和柱头的寿命为圆叶天女花提高传粉效率和增强适应性的有效策略。     

濒危植物独花兰的传粉生物学初步观察

独花兰(Changnienia amoena Chien)为我国特有的单种属植物,近年因生境破碎化和过度采挖,其野生资源日渐减少.迄今对独花兰极为有限的研究表明,其结实率很低或根本不结实,其传粉媒介也一直未被发现.2002年3～4月,我们对神农架2个移植居群和5个天然居群进行了传粉生物学的定点观察,发现雌性三条熊蜂(Bombus(Diversobombus)trifasciatus Smith)、仿熊蜂(Bombus(Tricornibombus)imitator Pittion)和蜜蜂均访问独花兰,但只有三条熊蜂身体粘有花粉块,是独花兰的有效传粉者.三条熊蜂的访问频率很低,在113 h的观察中只有9次访问,但在一个天然居群(population 3)中曾观察到一天4次的最高访问频率;访问主要在12:00～15:00出现,但在花上停留时间很短,不超过10 s.在未被授粉的情况下,独花兰花朵大约3周后自然枯萎,但受粉后3、4 d内即出现一系列形态和颜色的变化,包括花梗逐渐伸长,子房在花梗逐渐停止伸长后开始膨大等,表明花梗伸长可作为结实(授粉成功)的指标.人工授粉实验表明,自花、异花受粉后花梗均伸长,而套袋隔离花的则花梗不伸长,说明独花?兰是自交亲和的异交种,需要昆虫传粉.根据传粉者的访问频率、居群中果实的分布,尤其是花距内无花蜜等特征,我们认为独花兰是种欺骗性传粉的兰花.相对于其他欺骗性传粉的兰花,独花兰的自然结实率并不很低(26.98%),这与居群规模小会提高欺骗性传粉兰花结实率这一观点吻合.花粉块的输出数远高于结实数,这说明独花兰存在一定的花粉浪费.     

露蕊乌头花性状的表型选择

为解释植物的花性状的进化机制,分析选择作用的强度和方向是必须的方法之一。采取表型操控实验和表型选择分析,通过人为增加露蕊乌头侧萼片开度,本文揭示了露蕊乌头花性状与适合度的关系,探究了花性状的表型选择作用。结果发现,增加侧萼片开度后,传粉者首访的频率及访花的总次数降低,但对单花种子产量没有影响;露蕊乌头的株高、花数目、盔高及侧萼片宽度均受到总选择作用,而花数目和株高的选择梯度显著,受到了直接选择作用;而花数目则受到稳定选择,即中等开花数目具有更高的种子产量。以上结果表明,侧萼片宽度是露蕊乌头吸引传粉者的主要特征,而花序越高、花数目适中的植株,种子产量也越多。     

山莨菪(茄科)的传粉生物学

茄科的多数种类具有自交不亲和的特点, 主要通过异花传粉结实; 但是, 一些物种或者物种内的部分种群或者个体却高度自交亲合, 转变为自交的繁育系统。该科植物山莨菪(Anisodus tanguticus)主要分布在青藏高原, 开花较早, 比其他晚开花的植物种类更加缺少有效的异花传粉昆虫。我们选择了位于不同海拔高度的2个种群进行比较研究, 主要目的是检验该物种的繁育系统是否在极端环境下由于传粉者的缺乏而发生了部分改变。研究发现,山莨菪的花不完全雌性先熟, 柱头和花药间的平均距离随着花开放时间的延长而不断缩小, 但两者在多数花的单花花期结束时并没有发生接触。因此, 山莨菪花主要表现为适应异花传粉的雌雄异位特征。然而, 少数花 (4.9％)的柱头和花药发生接触, 为“自动自交”的传粉解除了空间隔离。2个种群的多数个体存在自交不亲和机制, 应具有异花传粉的繁育系统; 但是部分个体具有明显的自交亲和能力, 为自交提供了生理基础。高海拔种群的传粉昆虫主要是厕蝇(Fannia sp.), 它们在不同植株间的活动能够保证异花传粉结实; 同时该种群的部分个体存在“自动自交”。低海拔种群的主要访花昆虫是蚂蚁, 它们在花内的活动导致花粉在同一朵花内传递, 而引起“协助自交”; 而异花传粉昆虫厕蝇的访花频率则较高海拔种群低。两个种群的结实均由于异花传粉者不足而受到传粉限制。因此两种不同类型的自交机制为该早期开花植物异花访花昆虫的不足提供了一定程度上的繁殖补偿。     

青藏高原高山植物麻花艽的传粉生态学研究

对青藏高原东部麻花艽 (Gentiana straminea)海北居群的传粉生态学进行了 3a连续的观察和实验。试验表明自然去雄、人工自交和杂交处理均结实 ,而人工去雄套袋和自然套袋不结实。麻花艽自交亲合 ,但必须依赖传粉媒介才能完成授粉过程 ,不存在无融合生殖。野外捕捉到 14种访花昆虫 ,它们分别属于 2个纲 ,7个目 ,8个科。观察和分析了各种昆虫的访花行为后 ,认为苏氏熊蜂 (Bombus sushikini)是麻花艽有效而稳定的传粉者。测量表明麻花艽花蜜通道的深度和苏氏熊蜂的舌长基本吻合。苏氏熊蜂的访花频率在 10 :0 0～ 12 :0 0 ,13:0 0～ 15 :0 0和 16 :0 0～ 18:0 0时间段没有差别 ,单花的访花频率为 0 .0 0 5次 / (花· min)。和其它高山植物相比 ,青藏高原高山植物麻花艽的访花频率较高。熊蜂传粉和高频率的访花维持了麻花艽在极端寒旱的青藏高原环境下的有性生殖。此外 ,高频率的访花对于维持该地区高山植物的生殖保障具有重要的现实意义 ,但是否具有普遍性 ,还有待研究更多的高山代表类群。     

侧穗凤仙花的传粉生态和繁育系统

通过对峨眉山特有种侧穗凤仙花的开花生物学特性、花器官结构、传粉者种类和访花行为、繁育系统、花粉胚珠比(P/O)及花粉活力的研究.发现居群之间花的寿命变化比较大,它们的雄蕊期长,雌/雄蕊期比为0.12～0.17;花粉胚珠比达到4.6万,花粉在开花第一天有很高的活力(＞90%);传粉者为熊蜂和天蛾,熊蜂包括贞洁熊蜂、白背熊...     

海南凤仙花不同海拔种群的传粉生物学

凤仙花属(Impatiens)植物具有极为广泛的多样性和类型各异的特化传粉者, 被誉为“双子叶的兰花”, 受到众多传粉生物学家的关注。本文以海南特有种海南凤仙花(Impatiens hainanensis)为研究对象, 对3个不同海拔梯度的种群进行了开花生物学特性和开花物候、花器官结构、花粉活力和柱头活性、传粉者种类和访花行为及繁育系统的比较研究。结果表明: 单花花期4.10 ± 0.46 d, 雄性期和雌性期分别约为3.15 ± 0.24 d和0.95 ± 0.36 d; 种群开花峰期在8月初, 高海拔种群的花期高峰相对滞后。低、中海拔种群花粉活力呈现先升高后下降的趋势, 以开花第2 d花粉活力最高; 高海拔种群花粉活力随开花时间推移逐渐下降; 柱头活性随开花时间的推移而增强, 高海拔种群开花各天次均较低、中海拔种群低。主要传粉昆虫为黄黑无垫蜂(Amegilla leptocoma)和绿条无垫蜂(A. zonata), 低、中海拔种群以黄黑无垫蜂为主, 高海拔种群以绿条无垫蜂为主。未观察到自动自花授粉和无融合生殖现象, 人工授粉能明显增加坐果率(75-90%), 自然坐果率在高海拔种群相对较低(40-60%), 说明存在较强的传粉者限制。海南凤仙花的保护需要同时关注其有效传粉者的保护, 促进有效传粉昆虫在不同海拔种群之间的往来, 保证种群间的花粉流与种子流, 维持海南凤仙花的种群遗传多样性与有效种群大小。     

异型花柱植物喀什补血草的传粉者功能群与花粉转移效率

异型花柱是受遗传控制的花柱多态现象, 被达尔文认为是植物通过在传粉者体表不同部位滞落花粉以促进型间花粉准确传递的一种适应。该现象虽已受到广泛关注, 但在一些花型变异较大且不稳定的传粉系统中, 不同传粉者对各花型繁殖所产生的影响仍知之甚少。该研究以分布于新疆天山南坡的一个有同长花柱共存的异型花柱植物喀什补血草(Limonium kaschgaricum)种群为研究对象, 对其花型构成及频率、传粉者及花粉转移效率等进行了调查分析。结果表明: 1)种群中除了存在雌/雄蕊长度交互对应的长(L)/短(S)花柱型花外, 还有雌/雄蕊同长的花(H型), 且各花型花的花冠口直径、花冠筒长及花粉量等参数间无差异, 但花粉纹饰和柱头乳突细胞形态具二型性。其中, H型花的花粉和柱头形态与L型花(或S型花)的一致。2)花型内和自花授粉均不亲和; 型间授粉时, 花粉和柱头形态不同的花型间亲和, 反之不亲和。3)种群内存在长/短吻两类传粉昆虫。在以短吻传粉者为主的盛花初、中期, L和H型花柱头上的异型花粉数均显著高于S型花的, 且L和S型花高位性器官间的异型花粉传递效率高于低位性器官间的; 而在以长吻传粉者为主的盛花后期, L和S型花的柱头间异型花粉数无显著差异, 且高/低位性器官间具有相同的异型花粉转移效率; 与传粉者出现时期相对应的、在花期不同阶段开放花的结实率也明显不同。4)长/短吻昆虫具明显不同的传粉功能, 短吻昆虫只能对L和H型花进行有效传粉, 且访花频率和型间花粉转移效率较低, 为低效传粉者; 而长吻昆虫对各花型均能有效传粉, 具高的访花频率和型间花粉转移效率, 为高效传粉者。因为长吻昆虫的阶段性出现所形成的不稳定传粉系统, 使低效的短吻昆虫可能会成为种群中花型变异的驱动力, 并使S型花受到更大的选择压力。H型花克服了柱头缩入的弊端, 可能会成为不稳定传粉系统下的一个替代花型而持续存在。     

The birds and the seeds: opportunistic avian nectarivores enhance reproduction in an endemic montane aloe

Opportunistic bird pollination has become more evident in studies that confirm distinct differences in floral adaptations that attract opportunistic, rather than specialist, bird pollinators. Pollination syndrome studies investigating the effectiveness of different pollinator guilds on reproduction seldom do so by measuring seed viability. We studied pollination in Aloe peglerae, a high altitude endemic succulent of the Magaliesberg mountain range, previously thought to be largely sunbird (specialist) pollinated. Using field observation and pollinator exclusion treatments, i.e. (i) open to all visitors, (ii) bird excluded, and (iii) all visitors excluded, we established that birds contributed significantly more to fruit (2.3–5.6 times) and seed (1.3–1.4 times) set than insect or self-pollination, respectively. Overall, pollination by opportunistic avian nectarivores amplified seed production per aloe ~7 and 10 times compared to insects and self-pollination, respectively. One of three opportunistic nectarivores, the Cape Rock-Thrush (Monticola rupestris), played a significant role in pollination, contributing ~60 % of all probes at inflorescences. The difference in reproductive output between insect visited and visitor excluded flowers was not significant and suggests possible self-pollination in A. peglerae which is particularly unusual in Aloe species. Breeding system experiments would help clarify this. In assessing the effectiveness of pollinator guild on seed viability, we found no differences in percentage seed viability, seed germination or seedling emergence between exclusion treatments. Seed viability and germination were low and variable; however, ~19 % seedling emergence was observed across the treatments. Practically, the net effect of bird pollination may result in 8–12 times more potential seedlings compared to insect and self-pollination respectively. These findings highlight the importance of pollination by opportunistic avian nectarivores in Aloe.     

Pollination biology of Aristolochia bianorii Sennen & Pau: promoting cross-pollination but assuring reproductive success in island ecosystems

• Deceptive pollination has been reported in the genus Aristolochia, but the floral biology and pollination strategy of A. bianorii, an endemic of the Balearic Islands, have not yet been studied. Here, we investigated floral anthesis, mating system, pollinators and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by its flowers.
• Flower buds were marked and monitored daily to define floral stages and their duration. Experimental bagging and hand-pollination were performed to test for autonomous self-pollination, induced self-pollination and cross-pollination. Flowers were collected to analyse the presence of entrapped pollinators. VOCs emitted by flowers were evaluated by means of solid phase microextraction followed by immediate GC–MS.
• Anthesis lasted between 63 and 96 h, and the species exhibited autonomous self-pollination with moderate inbreeding depression. Pollinators were mainly females of Oscinomorpha longirostris (Diptera; Chloropidae). The number of pollinators inside flowers was affected by floral stage and time of flowering. The most common VOCs were alkanes, oximes, esters, alkenes, cyclic unsaturated hydrocarbons, isocyanates, amides and carboxylic acids.
• Aristolochia bianorii can set seed by autonomous self-pollination, in contrast to other Aristolochia species, in which both protogyny and herkogamy prevent autonomous self-pollination. However, the species may encourage cross-pollination by attracting female chloropid flies though emission of floral scents that may mimic an oviposition site and, possibly, freshly killed true bugs (i.e. Heteroptera). In conclusion, A. bianorii promotes cross-pollination, but delayed autonomous self-pollination assures reproductive success in the putative absence of pollinators.

     

Floral biology and pollination mechanisms of four Mexico-endemic Fuchsia species with contrasting reproductive systems

Aims The evolution of the outstanding variation of reproductive systems in angiosperms has been considered an important driver of lineage diversification. Closely related hermaphroditic and dioecious species with biotic pollination provide the opportunity to study and compare traits related to pollinator attraction and their consequences on reproductive components. A higher predictability of pollination syndromes is expected in dioecious species, which are dependent on pollinators, than in self-compatible hermaphroditic taxa. Dioecious species may suffer pollen limitation depending on the quality of floral rewards and the kind and abundance of pollinators, whereas no pollen limitation is expected in hermaphroditic species with autonomous self-pollination. Additionally, in the absence of pollen limitation, more or better seeds are expected in dioecious species, according to the sexual specialization hypothesis.Methods In natural populations of the hermaphroditic Fuchsia fulgens and Fuchsia arborescens and dioecious Fuchsia parviflora and Fuchsia obconica, all endemic to Mexico, we first described flower phenology, flower production and longevity and nectar volume and concentration. Then, we evaluated the correspondence between floral visitors and pollination syndromes. In hermaphrodite plants, we determined the level of herkogamy and the potential for autonomous self-pollination. Finally, we evaluated the effect of pollen limitation on fruit set and seed number and assessed seed germination for all species.Important findings In contrast to our prediction, dioecious species did not show a higher correspondence between pollination syndromes and floral visitors than did hermaphrodites; however, male flowers exhibited a higher correspondence than female flowers. No pollen limitation was detected in dioecious species, for which visitation rate did not differ between male and female flowers. The hermaphroditic F. fulgens showed pollen limitation for seed number, despite the presence of autonomous selfing. Fruit set from autonomous pollination was higher in F. arborescens, which showed a lower level of herkogamy compared with F. fulgens. Finally, dioecious species produced fewer but heavier seeds compared with hermaphrodite species. Although Fuchsia is classified as an outcrossing genus, both hermaphroditic species showed autonomous self-pollination. The heavier but lower number of seeds per fruit in dioecious species may be related to the more efficient resource allocation expected from sexual specialization. This could play an important role in the evolution of dioecy; however, a comparative phylogenetic approach is required to confirm this hypothesis.     

The relative strength of different floral visitors driving floral evolution within a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Primula secundiflora</Emphasis> population

Floral visitor assemblages within plant populations are usually composed of different visitors, and the relative abundance of these visitors also varies. Therefore, identifying the relative strength of these floral visitors driving floral evolution within the population is an important step in predicting the evolutionary trajectory of floral traits. Using supplemental hand pollination and nectar-robbing exclusion treatments, we experimentally identified the relative strengths of legitimate pollinators (that visit flowers through the corolla tube entrance) and nectar robbers (that visit flowers by biting a hole in the corolla tube or using an existing hole) driving floral evolution within the Primula secundiflora population. We also estimated legitimate pollinator- and nectar robber-mediated selection separately for pin and thrum flowers. Both legitimate pollinators and nectar robbers mediated selection on pollination efficiency traits in P. secundiflora population. Legitimate pollinators mediated selection for wider corolla tubes, whereas nectar robbers mediated selection for longer corolla tubes. In addition, nectar robber-mediated selection on corolla tube length marginally varied between the pin and thrum flowers. Nectar robber mediated selection for longer corolla tube length in the pin flowers not in the thrum flowers. These results indicate that legitimate pollinators and nectar robbers within a population can drive differential evolutionary trajectories of floral traits.     

Floral biology, reproductive system and reproductive success of Macroptilium fraternum (Fabaceae)

Observations about the floral biology and the reproductive system of Macroptilium fraternum were made in two populations in Argentina, with different edaphic conditions, situated at the southern area of distribution of the species. The coexistence of two kind of flowers in the same plant was detected in both populations and in herbarium material from other localities: a) cleistogamous preanthesis flowers and b) pseudocleistogamous flowers. The cleistogamous preanthesis flowers possessed wings longer than 5 mm and were disposed in pubescent, erect, racemes exposed above the level of the foliage. The anthesis lasted approximately 5 hours on sunny days or 9 hours on rainy days, the right wing covered the left wing, the corolla acquired a bilabiate aspect, offering the left wing as landing platform; they produced a low quantity of nectar (0.18 +/- 0.13 microliter); they did not receive pollinator visits; approximately four hours after the beginning of the anthesis on sunny days the ovary started to grow; in the bud, the receptive stigma was covered with germinating pollen grains from the same floral unit. The pseudocleistogamous flowers possessed wings shorter than 5 mm that were disposed in brief, hirsute and prostrate racemes, non subterranean as in other Macroptilium species; the banner started to spread exposing partially the wings, the left wing limb surrounded the keel and never spread; the right wing started to spread and after 2 seconds refolded and began to wither, the ovary began to grow immediately; the flower did not offer a surface to allow visitors to settle; in the buds the stigma was receptive and found with pollen grains from the same floral unit emitting their tubes. The relative reproductive success was low (natural pollination = 8%; spontaneous self-pollination = 3%), probably due to the low pollen viability, the high percentage of seed abortion and the lack of pollinator's visits. The production of both flower types is not conditioned by edaphic factors, as they were found in plants belonging to different environments. Study of the progeny of both floral types in both populations has demonstrated that each one produces a similar amount of seeds contributing to the next generation with plants of similar characteristics (slow development, low resistance to infections and high mortality). The absence of pollinators in these flowers (in part because they preferred to visit flowers of other species with more reward and in part because of the fragmentation of the habitats), would be producing inbreeding depression in the studied populations; if the germplasm variability is not preserved, these populations situated at the Southern end of the distribution range of the species could become extinguished.     

Tibouchina pulchra (Melastomataceae): reproductive biology of a tree species at two sites of an elevational gradient in the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil

Low-temperature environments interfere with plant reproduction by reducing the frequency of pollinators, and this may favour reproductive strategies such as self-pollination and apomixis. Tibouchina pulchra is a common tree species that occurs at high and low sites of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. This study focussed on the pollination biology and breeding system of this species, describing the pollinators and the reproductive success at the two sites of an elevational gradient. Observations were made to determine extent of flowering and fruiting, to identify the richness and abundance of pollinators, and to record data on the floral and reproductive biology at these two sites. Despite more dense flowering at the high site, five visits of bees (two species) were recorded during the observation time (60?h), whereas at the low site there were 948 visits (seven species) during the same period. In contrast with the low site, the flowers of the high site released and received few pollen grains on the stigma. At the high site less fruit was set with fewer seeds as a result of open pollination than at the low site; at that site, however, more seeds were obtained from cross-pollination than at the low site. Tibouchina pulchra is self-compatible; however it is not apomictic and needs pollinators for seed set at both sites. Life-history traits other than the breeding system, for example more dense flowering, advantage of greater fertility in cross-pollination, and multiple reproductive events during the lifetime of the tree may reduce inbreeding depression, increase the hybrid vigour, and balance the lack of pollinators at the high site.     

Population Size,Pollination and Breeding System of Silene stockenii Chater (Caryophyllaceae), an Annual Gynodioecious Species of Southern Spain

The distribution area, phenology, sex polymorphism, floral characteristics and breeding system of Silene stockenii (Caryophyllaceae), a narrowly endemic annual species of southern Spain, were studied. Only five populations were found in a total area of 2 ha. Silene stockenii is a gynodioecious species with fully female, fully hermaphrodite and intermediate plants bearing hermaphrodite, male-sterile, and partially male-sterile flowers. Male-sterile flowers are typically smaller than hermaphrodites. Nectar production was significantly higher in hermaphrodite plants and during the female phase of hermaphrodite flowers. The red flowers appear during the spring (March-May) and are pollinated by long-tongued Bombyliidae. Hand pollinations revealed that the species is self-compatible; however, natural self-pollination is rare due to marked protandry. Hand pollination significantly increased the number of seeds per fruit and seed set, indicating limited pollination in the field. In controlled pollinations female plants of S. stockenii produced higher seed set than hermaphrodite plants, but in freely pollinated plants fruit set and seed production was similar in both morphs, indicating that pollinators do not discriminate in favour of hermaphrodite plants.