干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Flowers of Swainsona formosa (G. Don) J. Thompson (syn. Clianthus formosus) developed through seven floral stages from buds to open flowers in 17 days. Floral stages were correlated with the sigmoidal growth pattern of the peduncle. Self-pollination was prevented in the species by the presence of a stigmatic cuticle that precluded pollen germination until ruptured, exposing the receptive surface below. Cuticular rupture occurred in nature during bird-pollination and was emulated manually by lightly rubbing a pollen-covered finger across the stigma. The species was self-compatible, and to ensure cross-fertilization when breeding, emasculation before anther dehiscence was essential.