Papillate tepal hoods and delayed pollen germination in Albuca L. (Liliaceae)

Abstract

In the genus Albuca, pollen germination is delayed until the tepals close around the stigma immediately before the onset of floral senescence. At this time, papillae on the tepal apices and the stigma swell and produce an exudate in which pollen rapidly germinates. No pollen germination occurs when the tepals are artificially prevented from closing around the stigma.