Hi David et al.,
When I was on Maui a few months back a friend of mine told me that the naturalized
Spathoglottis plicata are self-pollinating. I saw a number of plants in bloom, both
on Maui and on the Big Island of Hawaii. Nearly every faded flower on every plant I
saw had become a seed capsule, suggesting either a ubiquitous pollinator and a high
rate of fertilization success or support for the self-pollination theory. I also saw
a large number of naturalized Arundina bambusifolia on the Big Island, but I don't
recall seeing any capsules on those.
Ron Kaufmann
San Diego, California
> On the Hawaiian island of Maui, Spathoglottis plicata is found in lots of
> places on the windward side. It definitely is pollinated by something as
> most plants that are flowering have several seed pods forming on them.
> Here's a picture of a typical plant that someone pulled up: (URL is long and
> may wrap)
>
> http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/images/600max/html/starr_000919_8015_spathoglottis_plicata.htm
>
> Also in northeast Tennessee, Bletialla striata is also found to be commonly
> pollinated. I've never seen bees or butterflies on the flowers but have
> noticed ants on them. Perhaps this is the pollinater?
>
> David Sizemore
> Kingsport, TN (Zone 6a)
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