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Brief Communications
Nature 441, 945-946 (22 June 2006) | doi:10.1038/441945a; Received 30 November 2005; Accepted 13 April 2006; Published online 21 June 2006
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Pollination: Self-fertilization strategy in an orchid
Ke-Wei Liu1,2, Zhong-Jian Liu3, LaiQiang Huang1, Li-Qiang Li3, Li-Jun Chen3 & Guang-Da Tang3,4
Abstract
An orchid that flowers in harsh conditions pollinates itself unassisted by any of the usual agents.
Abstract
Mating in flowering plants normally relies on animals, wind, gravity or secretion to convey pollen grains from the male (anther) to the female (stigma) organ1, 2. Here we describe a new type of self-pollination mechanism in the tree-living orchid Holcoglossum amesianum, in which the bisexual flower turns its anther against gravity through 360° in order to insert pollen into its own stigma cavity — without the aid of any pollinating agent or medium. This mode of self-pollination, which occurs under windless, drought conditions when insects are scarce, adds to the variety of mechanisms that have evolved in angiosperms3, 4 to ensure their reproductive success1, 5.
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