Flowering and fruiting patterns of three species ofMelicytus(Violaceae) in New Zealand

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Abstract
The flowering and fruiting of Melicytus lanceolatus, M. ramiflorus, and M. micranthus are described. The three species show striking contrasts. M. lanceolatus flowers in early spring and the plants flower profusely and synchronously over several weeks. M. ramiflorus flowers over the late spring and summer in a series of distinct episodes. This pattern was observed in three flowering seasons and at several localities in New Zealand. The number of flowering episodes per season varies between plants, localities, and seasons. Flower production varies with the age of wood on which the flowers are produced and between flowering episodes. Fruits may be produced in any episode and are present in large numbers through late summer and autumn. M. micranthus has an extended flowering season from spring until autumn. The plants flower asynchronously and produce a few flowers at a time over a long period. Fruit are also present in low numbers over a long period (summer, autumn, and winter). Factors which may be involved in the selection of these diverse flowering and fruiting patterns are discussed.