Simultaneous movement of style and stamen set during anthesis in Etlingera elatior (Zingiberaceae)

Abstract

Etlingera is a genus of the family Zingiberaceae that is native to tropical Asia. Many species are economically important as a source of food, spices, medicines, and ornamental plants. This study aims to elucidate the floral morphology of E. elatior and understand the behavior of the set of stamen and style during floral anthesis, seeking to identify the mechanisms that promote xenogamy in the species. Flower morphology, time of anthesis and movement of the stamen and style during this period, pollen viability, nectar volume, floral visitors, and the reproductive system were evaluated. The flowers of E. elatior exhibited synchronous movement of the style and stamen, however, this movement was not considered as flexistyly, since the species does not present dichogamy. The synchronous movement of the stamen and pistil, by itself, was not enough to promote self-pollination. Fruiting depends on pollinators. The stigma fluid is an important means whereby pollen adheres to the mouthpart of the pollinator. Hummingbirds and bees were considered the most effective pollinators of E. elatior in the area studied.

Key words
flexistyly; ginger; ornamental plant; reproductive biology; Zingiberaceae