Factors that Influence the Duration of the Staminate and Pistillate Phases of Lobelia cardinalis Flowers

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Abstract
Staminate duration in L. cardinalis is significantly affected by the amount and frequency of pollen removal from the anther tube. Repeated pollen removal shortens the staminate phase, while limited or no pollen removal greatly increases this phase. Pistillate duration is decreased significantly by both pollination and an increase in the duration of the staminate phase. Both staminate duration and pistillate duration increase with flower position on inflorescences with no developing fruit but show no change in duration with position when developing fruits are present. Because the duration of both the staminate and pistillate phases in natural populations falls between the minimum and maximum duration in experimental plants, the actual duration of the respective phases in natural populations is controlled by pollinator activity.