Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 79 (2): 225-232, 2006
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Breeding system of Embothrium coccineum (Proteaceae) in two populations on
different slopes of the Andes
Plant breeding systems are considered to reflect species’ life history characteristics,
selection due to biotic or abiotic factors, pollination conditions, or a combination of these. Reproductive systems may vary over
ecological gradients. The breeding system of the ornithophilous Embothrium coccineum (Proteaceae) from temperate
South America was studied by pollination treatments: manual self-pollination, manual crosspollination, automatic self-pollination, and
natural pollination. These treatments were conducted in a coastal western and an Andean eastern population. Embothrium
coccineum was found to be self-incompatible and highly dependent on the pollinating agent at both sites. However, pollen
limitations were greater in the coastal population, as breeding efficiency was lower. Populations have different floral visitors whose
identity differentially affects reproductive efficiency and pollen flow in E. coccineum.
Key words:
self-incompatibility,
endemic species, temperate forest, Chile, Argentina
