Androdioecy in the entomophilous tree Fraxinus ornus (Oleaceae)

Abstract

Androdioecy (the coexistence of two genders, cosexuals and males, in a single population) is a rare breeding system. In terms of functional gamete production, androdioecy has been reported in a small number of wind-pollinated and insect-pollinated species. In this study we examine the floral biology, stability of gender, and fruit and seed production after self-pollination and outcrossing pollination in a potentially androdioecious tree, Fraxinus ornus, in southern France. Individual trees have either hermaphrodite flowers or male flowers, the latter lacking a well-developed gynoecium. The two genders produce morphologically similar pollen and were present in 1:1 or slightly male-biased ratios. Only hermaphrodites set fruit during 2-4 yr of observation at four different sites in southern France. Experimental pollinations of eight trees in two different sites showed that hermaphrodites produce viable pollen in dehiscent anthers and viable seeds. Thus, in terms of functional gamete production, F. ornus is a new case of functional androdioecy. Seven hermaphrodites were self-compatible, and such self-compatibility of hermaphrodites might improve the colonizing ability of F. ornus in a region where this species is actively expanding its range.