Hybridization amongst New ZealandSchoenus(Cyperaceae)?

Abstract

Artificial pollinations were made between five New Zealand species of Schoenus (Cyperaceae) to determine whether they could form interspecific hybrids. No hybrids were produced and the site of the interspecific incompatibility was investigated using fluorescence microscopy. The site of pollen inhibition varied in the different cross combinations. No relationship was observed between pollen size and subsequent pollen germination and tube growth in the style. The results do not support the claim that S. concinnus and S. nitens form hybrids in nature.