The breeding system of Fumana ericifolia: first evidence of autogamy in woody Cistaceae

Fumana ericifolia belongs to the family Cistaceae, in which all perennial species previously studied have been reported to be self-incompatible and xenogamous. Here we show that F. ericifolia is self-compatible and autogamous. Its flowers last only four to eight hours and produce a small amount of pollen and ovules. Self-pollination depends on changes in the relative position of the stigma and the anthers, triggered by the abscission of the petals; this in turn causes closing of the sepals, which push the anthers onto the stigma. Pollen remains highly viable and germinable, and the stigma keeps its receptivity several hours after the loss of the petals. Hand pollination treatments revealed that fruits are produced both in selfed and crossed flowers. The germination of pollen grains on the stigma, the rate of pollen tube growth along the style, and the penetration into the ovules were similar in self-and cross-pollinations; also, there were no significant differences in fruit set, seed set and weight of seeds. Thus, we report the first evidence of autogamy in a woody Cistaceae and suggest that selfing may ensure reproductive success when pollinators are limited.