We studied the reproductive biology ofPrunus spinosa andPrunus mahaleb (Prunoideae, Rosaceae) in the northwest Iberian Peninsula. The two species flowered at the same time (peaking on March 9 and 11, respectively in 1990) but differ significantly in their fruit maturation times. Nectar volume peaked in the early morning in both species, and was ten times greater inP. spinosa than inP. mahaleb. Neither species shows apomixis, nor does fruit-set occur if pollinators are excluded. In both species self-pollination resulted in fewer fruits than open pollination. The principal pollinators belong to theApidae family (79% and 63% of visits toP. spinosa andP. mahaleb, respectively). Results are compared with those for other rosaceous plants with fleshy fruits.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00937654Altmetric score:
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Publication year
2023
Authors
Guitian J; Guitian P; Sanchez J M
Language
English
Keywords
flowering, fruiting, phenology, prunus mahales, prunus spinosa, reproductive health
Geographic
Spain
