Flowering Process and Pollination Mechanism of Genus Tilia in Korea

한국산 피나무속 식물의 개화와정과 수분기작

An anthecological study of Tilia in Korea was undertaken for six native and one introduced species. Flowers are protoandrous with anther and stigma opening during the day-time in section(sect) Anastraea and the night-time in sect Astrophilyra. Nectar production was coincided with anther and stigma opening. It is revealed that the primary role of floral bracts was attracting pollinators especially in sect Astrophilyra. The peak of stamen and stigma function, and the production of nectar and odor were closely related with pollinator attraction. Forthy-three species of insects in 30 families were identified for the pollination studies; bees were the most commonly observed visitors in sect Anastraea, while moths were the primary visitors in sect Astrophilyra. Pollination study indicate that it is section specific. But within a section, pollination is not species specific thus interspecific hybridization occurs.