Duodichogamy and multi-cycle dichogamy are rare forms of temporal separation of male and female reproductive functions in flowering plants. We studied the floral phenology, breeding system and pollination of two Bridelia species in Sri Lanka, 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 (male → female or female → male), duodichogamy (male → female → male), multi-cycle dichogamy (repeated flowering cycles alternating between male and female) and pure males. Except for multi-cycle dichogamy, the other dichogamy patterns were prevalent in B. moonii. This study provide evidence for blowfly pollination in Bridelia retusa. Further positive moderate correlation was observed between femaleness and rainfall in all the studied sites for two Bridelia species studied.  

M. A. Dias and R. M. C. S. Ratnayake

Australian Journal of Botany

Abstract :- https://doi.org/10.1071/BT21020