The+Azaleas

The Azale as presented by Simon, Peter, Letitia, Stephanie and Janariel

**General Information **

Our group examined the Rhododendron species of the Azalea flower from the plant family of Ericaceae. These plants are highly commercialised and is widely distributed in each continent with the exception of South America and Africa. Azaleas grow best in partial shade in a pH of 5.5 -6. They are able to withstand low temperatures 10°c. [Gardening Australia: Fact Sheet Azaleas]

**Pollination and Fertilization ** Pollination can occur through abiotic (wind, water) vectors and biotic (insects, humans). Microspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to produce pollen grains which are then released from the anther. The male gametophyte then enters the pollen tube once its transferred by a vector. Then double fertilization occurs. ** Floral Morphology and Visitations ** There is a mean number of 6 anthers per flower for every 1 stigma - this increases the chance of the pollinator carrying the pollen from the anther to the stigma. Furthermore, due to the close distance of anthers from the stigma (average = 3 mm), abiotic factors including wind will be able to easily carry the pollen along. Also, the diameter of the flower is relatively large (average = 2.94 cm) allowing the pollinators easy access to the flower carrying the pollen.

**Variability of floral morphology ** 

**Pollen Morphology** The pollen of Azaleas are tetrahedral in shape making it easy for it to stick to pollinators such as bees.  **Nectar Morphology ** Azaleas do not have nectar as they have been highly cultivated by humans for gardens. Thus Azaleas do not need this mechanism to attract pollinators for pollination as humans basically do it for them now.