POLLINATION BIOLOGY OF THUNBERGIA ERECTA, T. ANDERS. AND ITS HORTICULTURAL VARIETY ALBA HORT.

摘要

The genus Thunbergia Linn, belongs to the family Acanthaceae. The pollination and related aspects of Thunbergia erecta T. Anders and T. erecta var. alba Hort. were studied. For this, ultrastructure of pollen, stigma and floral morphology were worked out. In order to assess the post pollination events, open, self and cross pollinated stigmas were analysed in vivo. Floral morphological characters are not complementary and will not promote self-pollination in this plant. Absence of proper pollinator isanother factor for failure of successful pollination in natural condition. Eventhough successful pollen transfer takes place after artificial pollination, pollen germination is inhibited due to the lack of pollen hydration. So floral morphology togetherwith some physiological factors prevent the fruit set in these plants.