Reproductive biology of Miconia angelana (Melastomataceae), endemic from Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais

Abstract

The reproductive biology of M. angelana R. Romero & R. Goldenberg was studied by controlled hand pollinations, pollen viability, pollen tube growth and seed germination. Miconia angelana flowered in late October and early November, presented self-compatibity and was independent of buzz pollination. The autogamy, facilitated by the two large pores of the anthers and stamens symmetrically disposed around the style, was responsible for the high fruit-set (91.5%) and high seed germination (92%). Miconia angelana is one of the five species of Melastomataceae reported for autogamy and one of the five of the Miconia genus with nectar production that, together with the awkward odor exhaled by the flowers, makes possible a higher variety of floral visitors as moths, wasps, flies, ants, beetles and bees with vibratory behavior or not.