Flowering and fruiting of Sarcotheca macrophylla Bl, an endemic species of Borneo and implication for conservation

Abstract

Sarcotheca macrophylla (Oxalidaceae) is an endemic species of Borneo. Little is known about the flowering and fruiting of this endemic species. The present study aimed to investigate the flowering and fruiting of S. macrophylla in terms of the first-time flowering, and morphology of the flowers, fruits, and seeds. Morphology of flowers, fruits, and seeds was also recorded and documented. The results showed that the first-time flowering of S. macrophylla occurred at 5 months to 16 months after seed germination with the plant height ranged from 13 to 23cm. These results showed that the first-time flowering of S. macrophylla occured at seedling stage, indicating early reproduction of the species. Two morphs of S. macrophylla (short-styled plants and long-styled plants) confirmed the heterostylous syndrome (different styly length) which is common in Oxalidaceae. Heterostylous is often associated with self-incompatibility which is commonly linked to the low seed set in this plant family. The present study has implication in the conservation of this endemic species, as the species produced low seed set associated with heterostylous syndrome of the flowers. Efforts to increase the seed set to support regeneration and survival of this endemic species are required.