Abstract
This study aims to examine flowering phenology, floral biology and morphology, and the reproductive system and success of the floral morphs of Psychotria carthagenensis Jacq. The long flowering period lasts from May (dry season) to January (rainy season). Flowering of the floral morphs was synchronized and the number of inflorescences, buds in pre-anthesis and flowers per plant were similar. Anthesis of the flowers of both morphs was 12 hours. Significant differences were observed in the corolla length, the stigmatic lobes, anthers and styles between floral morphs. Pollen viability was high in both morphs. Intermorph and intramorph pollinations resulted in fruit set. There was no significant difference between intermorph treatments in fruit and seed production. The flower attributes indicate that both morphs contribute similarly to species persistence in the study area.
Key words:
floral morphology; flowering phenology; heterostyly; reproductive success