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<p>Understanding pollination biology is essential for elucidating reproductive strategies in dioecious plants, yet such information remains limited for many tropical climbers. This study provides the first comprehensive report on the pollination biology of <i>Tinospora cordifolia</i> by integrating floral phenology, pollen production, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, and fruit set under natural and experimental pollination conditions. Floral anthesis in both male and female flowers occurred during morning hours (08:00–09:00&#xa0;h), whereas anther dehiscence in male flowers was delayed until evening (18:00–21:00&#xa0;h), resulting in a clear temporal separation between flower opening and pollen release. The species exhibited an exceptionally high pollen–ovule ratio, indicating an obligate xenogamous breeding system and strong dependence on animal-mediated pollination. Pollen viability varied significantly among years but remained consistently high across floral phases, suggesting environmental sensitivity coupled with developmental stability. Stigma receptivity remained uniformly high across floral phases and years, indicating a prolonged receptive period that enhances the likelihood of successful fertilization. Fruit set under natural pollination was consistently lower than that achieved through hand cross-pollination, highlighting pollinator limitation. Together, these findings demonstrate that <i>T. cordifolia</i> possesses a finely coordinated reproductive strategy adapted for obligate outcrossing and emphasize the importance of effective pollinator services for its reproductive success.</p>

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Pollination biology of Tinospora cordifolia: a woody dioecious liana

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月30日

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  • Sani Das,
  • Marami Mili,
  • Antara Bose,
  • Badal Kumar Datta

摘要

Understanding pollination biology is essential for elucidating reproductive strategies in dioecious plants, yet such information remains limited for many tropical climbers. This study provides the first comprehensive report on the pollination biology of Tinospora cordifolia by integrating floral phenology, pollen production, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, and fruit set under natural and experimental pollination conditions. Floral anthesis in both male and female flowers occurred during morning hours (08:00–09:00 h), whereas anther dehiscence in male flowers was delayed until evening (18:00–21:00 h), resulting in a clear temporal separation between flower opening and pollen release. The species exhibited an exceptionally high pollen–ovule ratio, indicating an obligate xenogamous breeding system and strong dependence on animal-mediated pollination. Pollen viability varied significantly among years but remained consistently high across floral phases, suggesting environmental sensitivity coupled with developmental stability. Stigma receptivity remained uniformly high across floral phases and years, indicating a prolonged receptive period that enhances the likelihood of successful fertilization. Fruit set under natural pollination was consistently lower than that achieved through hand cross-pollination, highlighting pollinator limitation. Together, these findings demonstrate that T. cordifolia possesses a finely coordinated reproductive strategy adapted for obligate outcrossing and emphasize the importance of effective pollinator services for its reproductive success.