Variation in dichogamy and myophily in two dioecious Bridelia species (Phyllanthaceae)

Abstract

Duodichogamy and multi-cycle dichogamy are rare forms of temporal separation of staminate and pistillate reproductive functions in angiosperms. We studied the floral phenology, breeding system and pollination of Bridelia retusa (L.) A.Juss. and Bridelia moonii Thwaites, with a particular focus on the alternation of sexual phases to determine variation in their dichogamy. Three dichogamy patterns were identified in B. retusa, including one-cycle dichogamy (staminate → pistillate or pistillate → staminate), duodichogamy (staminate → pistillate → staminate), multi-cycle dichogamy (repeated flowering cycles alternating between staminate and pistillate) and pure staminates. Except for multi-cycle dichogamy, the other dichogamy patterns were prevalent in B. moonii. This study speculated floral mimicry system in Bridelia associated with blowflies.