Inflorescence architecture, floral part movements and pollinator attraction by androecia – contrivance for successful mating in Eremurus himalaicus Baker

Abstract

Present study has been carried out to understand the mating strategies of Eremurus himalaicus Baker., important medicinal endemic plant, for its sustainable utilization. The inflorescence architecture, large numbers of attractive flowers, presence of sterile flowers which give specific arrangement to inflorescence, the coloured, attractive androecia and nectaries attract the pollinators. Protoandry, moderate to high pollen ovule ratio, unique movement of stigma away from dehiscing anthers, movement of pedicels and breeding experiment revealed that the species is primarily geitonogamous but xanogamy though rare is also operative. The exine sculpture and pollen size depicts that both anemophily and entomophily is operative in the species. Present study may provide important information for the conservation of this endemic medicinal plant species which has been categorized as threatened by various authors.