Distance-independent fruit-set pattern in a dioecious population of Ceratonia siliqua (Caesalpiniaceae)

Fruit and seed production in relation to the nearest male mate were studied in a dioecious population of Ceratonia siliqua in southern Spain. Results show a general trend towards producing a low and practically constant numbe r of fruits per raceme and so, a low fruit-set. In contrast, the number of seeds was markedly high in the set fruits. Both fruit-set success and seed production per tree did not depend on distance to the nearest pollen source . Results are discussed in relation to flowering phenology, floral biology and fruit production limitation.