Pollination ecology of Chengam Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea C.F. Gaertn. (Magnoliopsida: Rubiales: Rubiaceae), a non-viviparous evergreen tree species

Abstract

Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea C.F. Gaertn. or Chengam is a non-viviparous evergreen tree species. The flowers are bisexual, self-compatible, self-pollinating, temporally dioecious and exhibit a mixed breeding system. The plant is both melittophilous and anemophilous at the study area. Natural fruit set is 100% but seeds are non-viable which might be due to a genetic disorder.

Keywords

• Anemophily, melittophily, mixed breeding system, pollination, regeneration absence.