Plant Systematics and Evolution

, Volume 181, Issue 1–2, pp 77–95 | Cite as

Reproductive biology of a primitive angiosperm,Pseudowintera colorata (Winteraceae), and the evolution of pollination systems in theAnthophyta

  • David G. Lloyd
  • Mark S. Wells
Article
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Abstract

Stigmatic exudate-eating chironomid flies (Smittia) and pollen-eating halodid beetles are the most common visitors to flowers ofPseudowintera colorata. Plants are self-incompatible. After selfing pollen tubes penetrate the nucellus; chase pollination experiments show that the incompatibility reaction occurs before fertilization. When pollen is applied to stigmas, the exudate dries rapidly and does not usually reappear. A review of anthophytes suggests that their common ancestor around 200 mya was bisexual and pollinated at least in part by nectar-seeking insects, possibly including flies. The angiosperm stigma appears to have evolved from a pollination drop mechanism via an adaxial stigmatic surface.

Key words

Primitive angiosperms Pseudowintera Winteraceae Magnoliidae gnetophytes anthophytes Self-incompatibility reproductive biology 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1992

Authors and Affiliations

  • David G. Lloyd
    • 1
  • Mark S. Wells
    • 2
  1. 1.Department of Plant and Microbial ScienceUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
  2. 2.Department of ZoologyUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand

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