HYDROPHILOUS POLLINATION OF A DIOECIOUS SEAGRASS, THALASSODENDRON-CILIATUM (CYMODOCEACEAE) IN KENYA

The flowering of the dioecious seagrass Thalassodendron ciliatum (Cymodoceaceae) in Kenya is coincident with extremely low spring tides. Staminate plants release their flowers underwater immediately before the low tide begins to return. These float to the surface and there they expel the filamentous pollen. The pollen form floating snowflake-like rafts (search vehicles) that collide on the water surface with the female stigmas. Since pollination occurs on the water surface, T. ciliatum has a category 2 hydrophilous pollination system, strikingly similar to that of Amphibolis. Seeds of the developing fruit germinate precociously and seedling development is viviparous.