Original scientific paper

Reproductive ecology of mangrove trees Ceriops decandra (Griff.) Ding Hou and Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B. Robinson (Rhizophoraceae)

Aluri J. Solomon Raju ; Department of Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530 003, India
Henry J. Karyamsetty ; Department of Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530 003, India

Abstract

Ceriops decandra and C. tagal are evergreen trees in the inner mangrove forests in Andhra Pradesh, India. Ceriops decandra is primarily a landward species whereas C. tagal is a seaward and highly salt tolerant species. Ceriops decandra produces flowers
and fruits continuously throughout the year while C. tagal produces flowers and fruits during winter only. Both species have amixed mating system with cross-pollination as the principal system and self-pollination, which is primarily vector-dependent. Ceriops
decandra flowers have a simple pollination mechanism that is adapted for pollination by daytime foragers, Nomia bees and Odynerus wasps. In contrast, C. tagal flowers have an elaborate and explosive pollination mechanism. Flies and honey bees trip the flowers and contribute to explosive pollen release and subsequent self- and cross-pollination.Wind is also effective in tripping the pollination mechanism but it largely contributes to self-pollination.
Bud abortion occurs only in C. decandra. Flower and fruit abortion occurs in both the species of Ceriops. Abortion at different stages of the reproductive unit has been considered to be a strategy by the plants to adjust the available maternal resources to the growing fruits and propagules. The paper provides the basis for further study for the conservation and management of Ceriops species in the study areas.

Keywords

Ceriops decandra; Ceriops tagal; pollination; mating; vivipary; mangrove

Hrčak ID:

28598

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/28598

Publication date:

20.10.2008.

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