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[Objective] The purpose of this study is to explore the pollination biology and reproductive characteristics of Rhododendron excellens, providing a theoretical basis for the conservation of small population species. [Methods] In the field, the pollination and reproduction biology of R. excellens were studied by studying the floral characteristics, pollinating insects, flower visiting characteristics, flower odor, and breeding system. [Results] (1) Unlike widespread Rhododendron species, pollen vitality of R. excellens was low whereas stigma vitality was strong, with a longer duration. (2) The main pollinating insect was Apis cerana in the daytime. The main volatile was 1,8-cineole that attracts moths for pollinating at night. (3) Through hand pollination, it was found that R. excellens breeding system was self-compatible with dominant out-crossing. [Conclusion] The flower morphology of R. excellens tends to avoid active self-pollination and have low pollen viability, but sustained strong stigma receptivity may be a strategy to adapt to low pollination efficiency. The main pollinating insect is A . cerana in the daytime, while moth pollination at night cannot be excluded. Its breeding system is self-compatible and is evolving towards a facultatively mixing mating system. |
