Reproductive ecology of Aegialitis rotundifolia Roxb., A crypto-viviparous mangrove plant species in Krishna mangrove forest, Andra Pradesh

Abstract

Aegialitis rotundifolia is a hermaphroditic, self-compatible species with mixed breeding system. The floral characters indicate melittophilous pollination syndrome. Field studies indicate this species is melittophilous but anemophily also occurs due to its seaward occurrence where high winds usually prevail. Autogamy and allogamy are functional, and these modes indicate a “fail-safe” strategy for reproductive assurance when con-specifics do not occur nearby. Natural fruit set rate is 55-61%. The seed produces seedling within the fruit pericarp while it is still attached to the parent plant. Seedling or seed dispersal and establishment occurs through self-planting and stranding strategies.