Breeding systems in a temperate mediterranean‐type climate montane sclerophyllous forest in central Chile

Abstract

The frequency of dioecy in the predominantly biotically‐pollinated native flora of a temperate montane sclerophyllous forest in central Chile, 33oS, is determined. Experimental crosses and other tests were performed on a taxonomically diverse set of annual herbs, perennial herbs and woody species to detect genetic self‐incompatibility, spontaneous selfing capacity and obligate agamospermy. The overall frequency of dioecy in the community is 9%.Dioecy is unequally represented among life‐forms, increasing in frequency with greater longevity: 0% in annual herbs; 2% in perennial herbs; 17% in shrubs; 57% in trees. Thirty‐eight percent of 37 hermaphrodite species proved to be genetically self‐incompatible. Self‐incompatibility, like dioecy, increases in frequency with longevity: 0% in annual herbs; 50% in perennial herbs; 80% in shrubs. The self‐compatible species showed a wide range of breeding habits from facultative outcrossing to strong autogamy. However, in most self‐compatible species