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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2000; 2(3): 325-330
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-3704
Original Paper
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

Pollination and Breeding System of Putoria calabrica (Rubiaceae), a Mediterranean Dwarf Shrub

P. L. Ortiz, M. Arista, S. Talavera
  • Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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Publication History

March 4, 1999

February 6, 2000

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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Abstract

The pollinator spectrum and the reproductive system of Putoria calabrica, a Mediterranean chamaephyte, were studied. Its flowers are markedly protandrous and the situation of the style with respect to the stamens can be described as approach herkogamy. In the male phase, the 4 lobes of the corolla are completely extended, but in the female, they are curved back, significantly decreasing the size of the corolla. The volume and sugar content of the nectar were similar between phases, with the concentration being slightly higher in the female phase (41.9 % versus 34.5 %). Putoria calabrica is totally self-compatible; the pollen, both the plant's own and from outside, emitted pollen tubes that reached the ovules within 48 h, and the percentages of fruit set from both types of pollination were high and similar. Diurnal and nocturnal pollinators originated 48.95 % and 15.2 % of fruit set, respectively, while fruit set from free pollination was similar to the sum of the former two. Diptera (mainly Bombyliidae) and Lepidoptera were the most important pollinators, visiting a high number of flowers per plant. The role of protandry and morphological changes of the corolla of Putoria calabrica in its reproductive success are discussed.

Key words

Putoria - Rubiaceae - Mediterranean - protandry - pollination

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 P. L. Ortiz

Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología Universidad de Sevilla

Apdo. 1095 41080 Sevilla Spain

Email: plob@lebero5.us.es

Section Editor: G. Gottsberger

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