The Flower Organs of Commelina erecta

Examination of the sexual floral organs of Commelina erecta revealed an interesting number and configuration of the stamens. There is a central stamen with a large bifid anther, two lateral stamens with a long, curving style and elongated anthers facing downwards or sideward, and three small, posterior staminoids terminating in four petaloid structures. The pistil occupies a central position between the lateral stamens and ends up in a small, capitate stigma between the lateral anthers. Syrphid flies of the genus Ocyptamus visit the flowers occasionally, apparently to rob pollen but, unless accidentally, do not seem to function as pollinators. Bees, on the other hand, are embraced by the lateral anthers on the corbicular area, and are rubbed by the stigma on the ventral surface, suggesting a possible case of coevolution between flower and bee. The flower can be self pollinated but cross pollination may add genetic diversity to a plant whose distribution is apparently dependent on soil transport.