If You Plant It, Will They Come? Flowering Phenology, Breeding System, and Pollination Ecology of the Threatened Texas Endemic Hibiscus dasycalyx in Natural and Experimental Populations

John B. Pascarella ()
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John B. Pascarella: Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-18

Abstract: The federally threatened Neches River rose-mallow ( Hibiscus dasycalyx ) is a rare wetland species restricted to Eastern Texas, where population recovery depends on successful pollination and reproduction. The reproductive ecology was investigated to evaluate how floral phenology, pollinator activity, and breeding system influence reproductive success in natural versus created populations. Observations and controlled breeding system trials were conducted during 2024–2025 in a natural population (Houston County) and a created population (Walker County). Flowering was extended and synchronous in the natural population but shorter and less synchronized in the restored population. Breeding system trials confirmed self-compatibility without autogamy: fruit set was highest in outcrossed flowers, moderate in hand-selfed flowers, and absent in bagged flowers. Seed set, seed weight, and germination did not differ significantly between treatments. Pollinator visitation was high in the natural population, dominated by the specialist bee Ptilothrix bombiformis (>98% of visits), resulting in high fruit set. In contrast, low visitation in the restored population was associated with reduced fruit production. Pollen receipt varied significantly between sites and was strongly associated with P. bombiformis activity. These results demonstrate that the successful restoration of H. dasycalyx requires not only suitable habitat and planting efforts but also the presence of effective pollinators to ensure reproductive success.

Keywords: floral synchrony; specialist pollinators; pollinator limitation; seed germination; restoration ecology; Ptilothrix bombiformis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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