The breeding systems of some Melastomataceae species were investigated in populations from forests on the Serra do Japi, southeastern Brazil. This study was based on controlled pollinations and analysis of pollen viability and pollen-tube growth. Among populations of the 13 species studied, seven showed apomictic fruits (Leandra australis, L. melastomoides, L. purpurascens, Miconia latecrenata, M. petropolitana, Ossaea amygdaloides e O. confertiflora). Among the six non-apomictic species only one showed self-incompatibility (Miconia pusilliflora), whereas the others showed self-compatibility (Leandra dasytricha, L. regnellii, Tibouchina cerastifolia, T. sellowiana e T. semidecandra). Pollen analysis showed that the apomictic species have significantly lower viability levels than the non-apomictic species.
Plant reproduction; breeding systems; apomixis; Melastomataceae
