Pollination Biology of Stictocardia tiliifolia (Desr.) Hall. f. (Convolvulaceae)

Abstract

The pollination biology of Stictocardia tiliifolia (Desr.) Hall. f. (Convolvulaceae), a beautiful ornamental climber was investigated. It flowers between December to April with the peak blooming period in February. During the peak flowering period, nearly 50–60 flowers/plant bloom every day. Flowers open between 5.30 – 6.30 am and the life span of an individual flower is 24 h. Anther dehisce 8-9 h before anthesis, showing the protandrous nature of the flower and at the time of anthesis, 64±3% pollen grains were viable. Stigma becomes receptive at the time of anthesis. Nectar is secreted by a hypogynous disc. Flowers are visited by several insects and birds. However, Apis dorsata, Trigona iridipennis, Katydid [Letana species (female)], Nectarinia zeylonica and N. asiatica are the main pollinators and Katydid as a pollinator has been reported for the first time. Pollen grains in spite of landing on the receptive surface of the stigma fail to germinate indicating self-incompatible nature of the plant which remains fruitless. The plants from which the pollen was used for cross pollination seems to be clonal sisters and genetically alike.