Reproductive Biology of Asimina parviflora (Annonaceae)

Abstract

NoRmAN, E. M., K. RICE AND S. COCHRAN (Department of Biology, Stetson University, DeLand, FL 32720). Reproductive biology of Asimina parviflora (Annonaceae). Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 119: 1-5. 1992.-Flowering and fruiting of the small flowered pawpaw, Asimina parviflora (Michx.) Dunal, was studied in central Florida to determine phenology, pollination, breeding system and germination. This species flowers from mid-February to the end of March. The protogynous flowers occasionally overlap in pistillate and staminate phases. Diptera are the main visitors to the flowers. Bagged flowers occasionally produce fruits (6.8% in 1984). In open-pollinated flowers 3.2% matured fruits in 1984, and 4.5% matured in 1987. Hand crosspollinations resulted in 16% fruit-set in 1984 and 25% in 1987. Hand self-pollinations resulted in 10.4% fruit-set in 1987. Seed numbers per flower were significantly larger for cross pollinations. Of cross-pollinated seeds, 17.5% germinated; of open-pollinated, 10%; and of selfpollinated, 0%.