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Flexible style that encourages outcrossing

Author

Listed:
  • Qing-Jun Li

    (Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Kunming Institute of Botany, The Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zai-Fu Xu

    (Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • W. John Kress

    (National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution)

  • Yong-Mei Xia

    (Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ling Zhang

    (Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiao-Bao Deng

    (Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jiang-Yun Gao

    (Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhi-Lin Bai

    (Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Despite the convenience of self-pollination (selfing) in flowering plants 1,2,3, the detrimental effects of inbreeding that follow repeated selfing3,4 have promoted strong natural selection for mating systems that ensure successful cross-fertilization (outcrossing). Here we describe a mechanism deployed by some tropical ginger flowers to avoid self-pollination — the flower moves its stigma (style), which normally acts as the pollen receptor, out of the way while its anther is releasing pollen. This cunning evasion adds to the diversity of pollination strategies that have contributed to the evolutionary success of flowering plants.

Suggested Citation

  • Qing-Jun Li & Zai-Fu Xu & W. John Kress & Yong-Mei Xia & Ling Zhang & Xiao-Bao Deng & Jiang-Yun Gao & Zhi-Lin Bai, 2001. "Flexible style that encourages outcrossing," Nature, Nature, vol. 410(6827), pages 432-432, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:410:y:2001:i:6827:d:10.1038_35068635
    DOI: 10.1038/35068635
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