THE POLLINATION BIOLOGY AND BREEDING SYSTEM OF NEPENTHES MACFARLANEI (NEPENTHACEAE)

Abstract

Nepenthes macfarlanei has a xenogamous breeding system and exhibits a generalist entomophilous pollination syndrome. Potential pollinators include members of Diptera (Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Syrphidae). Low frequency
of insect visits could be a limiting factor to successful pollination, but the species may be able to offset the limitation by employing strategies such as long periods of stigmata receptivity and synchronous receptivity in the pistillate inflorescence. Stigmata receptivity was visually observed to occur for about 30 days but the rate of pollination success was highest during the first two weeks of receptivity.