Breeding systems in two species of the genus Helleborus (Ranunculaceae)

The results of various types of manual and free pollination are reported in Helleborus bocconei and Helleborus foetidus, two sympatric species of the understorey of submediterranean woods that flower in January-March and are pollinated by bumble-bees of the genus Bombus. species were found to be par tially self-compatible even if at different rates; geitonogamy seems to be more frequent in H. foetidus and spontaneous self-pollination does not usua lly occur for morphological reasons, and the species are not apomictic. Eff iciency in seed production alter free pollination was very high indicating that in spite of harsh climatic condition, there were no limitations impose d by pollen or pollinators.