The efficacy of wind pollination in a small understory shrub (Coprosma spathulata) in native forest of the Waikato region, New Zealand.
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Authors
Merrett, M. F.
Robertson, A. W.
Keywords
Pollination performance
Coprosma spathulata
Botany
Coprosma spathulata
Botany
Description of form
Refereed journal article.
Publisher
Rights
Rights holder
Issue Date
2012
Peer-reviewed status
Type
Article
Abstract
Pollination efficacy in the dioecious Coprosma spathulata was investigated in eight 900-m2 study plots. Mean fruit set was generally high (>75% in six of eight populations), aided by male-biased populations, male floral abundance and extended female receptivity in unpollinated flowers. However, pollen receipt and fruit set were both susceptible to reduction by dense understory vegetation, low abundance of males at the plot scale and in isolated females. There was a steep reduction in fruit set when females were >7 m from the nearest male, suggesting Allee effects in isolated females and in low-density populations. Although C. spathulata lives in an unpromising habitat for wind pollination, floral characteristics and flowering behaviour ensure it is surprisingly successful.
Citation
Merrett, M. F., & Robertson, A. W. (2012). The efficacy of wind pollination in a small understory shrub (Coprosma spathulata) in native forest of the Waikato region, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 50(1), 37-49.