Flowering and fruiting phenology and breeding system of Cistus albidus L.

Abstract

The flowering and fruiting phenology and breeding system of Cistus albidus L. are studied. Four phases are established for the development of the flower, which remains open for a period of less than 14hrs, although this time—span can be further reduced if environmental conditions are unfavourable. Only 65.6 % flowers develop ripe fruits, the greatest losses occurring in the change from flower to unripe fruit. H is a xenogamous species with a PAD ratio of 5.426 ±816. Experimentally, fruits may be formed by autogamy through manual pollination, although this does not occur spontaneously. There is recognition by the plant of its own pollen tube, which reduced the production of fruits by autogamy. This mechanism can be considered as cryptic self—incompatibility system. © Société botanique de France 1995.