Reproductive ecology of Syzygium cumini (Myrtaceae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/collectbot.2024.v43.0001Keywords:
generalist pollination syndrome, nectar, ornithochory, pollen, reproductive systemAbstract
Syzygium cumini is an evergreen hermaphroditic tree species. The floral characteristics such as creamy white flowers, scent production, copious nectar secretion in exposed cup-shaped calyx, and exposed stamens and stigma due to detachment of corolla following anthesis constitute a generalist pollination syndrome. Accordingly, bees, ants, flies, butterflies and diurnal hawkmoths visit the flowers during day time to collect pollen and/or nectar during which pollination occurs. Among the insects visiting the flowers, diurnal hawkmoths promote cross-pollination and the others, autogamy and geitonogamy. The nectar and pollen produced by the flowers provide certain essential and non-essential amino acids, and protein; the nectar additional provides hexose-rich sugars. The flowers are long-lived and produce fresh nectar each day, and the foragers are accordingly rewarded. Fruits are 1-seeded, pulpy and dispersed by birds; they are collected by local people for self-consumption or for selling in the local markets due to their edible nature.
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