Roles of Pollen and Ovary Age in Follicle Production of the Common Milkweed Asclepias Syriaca

Using cross‐pollination experiments, pollinia viability of the common milkweed Asclepias syriaca L. (Asclepiadaceae) did not change significantly over the five‐day life of the flowers, but stigma receptivity decreased over threefold over this period. During most of the season pollinators inserted over 90% of their pollinia into flowers during the first two days following anthesis. However, pollinators were scarce during the first few days of flowering, and they inserted over 60% of their pollinia into flowers three or more days old. This behavior potentially decreased outcrossing success and increased the relative male contribution of the flowers. Pollinator visitation patterns may play an important role in determining the functional sexuality of these plants.