Notes on the self-pollination in Dendrobium biflorum (Orchidales, Dendrobiinae)

Abstract

The conditions favouring self-pollination are determined for a species of Dendrobium Sw. A survey of gynostemium micro­morphology in collected flowers of Dendrobium biflorum revealed two stages of a unique form of autogamy: on germination of pollen tetrads, pollen tubes reached the stigmatic region without the pollen being displaced from the anther locules. This is the first time for this type of autogamy to be reported in Dendrobium biflorum. Pollen grains germinated directly from the locules, bypassing the stigma or falling or sliding down onto the stigmatic surface. The pollen tubes were long and reached the stylar canal. On The Society Islands, differences in exposure of the habitats to weather conditions and altitude gradients influence both composition and form of the vegetation, as well as the occurrence of pollinators. The form of autogamy described here may be the usual method of pollination found on The Society Islands (and even the whole of French Polynesia), where suitable pollinators are absent and/or growth conditions stressful.