Biomass allocation in hermaphrodite flowers.

Abstract

Facultatively self-fertilizing species Hibiscus trionum, Podophyllum peltatum, Trillium grandiflorum and Erythronium albidum had higher ratios of female:male allocation while the obligate outbreeder Lilium superbum had higher male:female patterns. About half the floral dry matter (44-66%) was found in perianth parts as opposed to sporophylls in all species. Data support the hypothesis that outbreeding species show relatively greater expenditure on male function than self-fertilizing species.-from Authors