Abstract
Abstract The pollination biology of Heloniopsis orientalis was investigated in the lowlands of south central Japan. The receptive stigma emerges from the perianth before the opening of the perianth, and anther dehiscence is late about two days for perianth opening. The flower therefore is protogynous even though no insects visit the unopen flowers. Receptivity of the stigma is maintained for about 8 days, and even the 10 day‐old flower can produce seeds. Self‐pollination may be rather common in H. orientalis, which is self‐compatible, in particular in the flowers which open on days unfavorable for insect activity. Many species of Diptera and Hymenoptera forage on the flowers, and almost any insect can be their pollinator. Long life, self‐compatibility of the flowers, and many kinds of pollinators seem to be factors favoring H. orientalis, which blooms in very early spring when the pollinator supply is unstable but which nevertheless bears many seeds.
Published Version
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