Re: Crestata Seed Pods

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I am almost certain they are not wind pollinated. It is possible that they can self pollinate but I wonder if this is common. The reason I wonder is that my plants often don't seem to produce much seed. It has been some years since I have had large patches but I can remember looking very hard for seed and rarely finding it. usually the pods when I found them had already split and the seed distributed. I am amazed at the number of pods you show and they seem a lot smaller than I remember. Cristata is a variable species, maybe my clones were less productive. The small aril on the seeds, which drys up rather quickly is said to feed ants. I would not be surprised if these or some other ground dwelling insect might also act as pollinators.

"Michael D. Greenfield" <mgreenfield@cinci.rr.com> wrote:

I picked the seed pods last weekend as some were splitting open. For SIGNA. There were a lot more pods on the south west side of the patches around the trees. About the winds that hit them are from that direction. I have never seen a bee near them. It must mean they are wind pollinated. Anyone know if this is true?

 

Photo of them, pan is 12" long. Over ½ are shelled out. Anyone want to count?

 

 

Mike Greenfield
Zone 5b
SW Ohio
Region 6
http://home.cinci.rr.com/irisinohio/