Breeding systems in New Zealand plants

Summary Pentachondra pumila (Epacridaceae) has small white salverform flowen in which the stamens and stigma are included in the tube. Although autogamous self‐pollination is the rule. it was found that the fruit set on four plants self‐pollinated by hand was only 0, 0, 3, and 16.6%, and some fruits had a reduced seed number. In contrast experimental croSSeS between plants were highly fertile. The results are consistent with control of fertility by an S‐allele system. Insects are probably the natural crossing agents, but the process remains un‐observed.