FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

Sponsored by FlytrapStore.com

Discuss Drosera, Byblis, and Drosophyllum plant care here

Moderator: Matt

User avatar
By Sundew grower
Location: 
Posts:  160
Joined:  Sun Apr 18, 2021 7:26 pm
#382334
My drosera capensis x spatulata is just starting to send up a flower. Do any of you guys know if this plant can self pollinate, and since it is a hybrid, would the seeds even be viable? Do you guys think I should let a plant this small flower? It is only about 2 1/2 inches across.
Flower
Flower
20210530_144540.jpg (3.34 MiB) Viewed 1758 times
User avatar
By ChefDean
Location: 
Posts:  9354
Joined:  Tue Sep 18, 2018 12:44 am
#382337
It kinda depends on the spat.
Capes are tetraploid plants with 2n=40 chromosomes, as are some spats. However, some spats are 2n=30, and it seems to change around the Wallace Line with the 2n=40 being in northern Asia and the 2n=30 being in southeast Asia and Australia.
If your spat was from up north, you might get viable seed as long as the chromosomes lined up properly during fertilization as it should have produced a tetraploid 2n=40 hybrid. If the parent spat was a 2n=30, then your plant is a 2n=35, the chromosomes couldn't pair up properly, and is likely sterile.
But, and a slim but, there's a chance that the allosomes could have been produced and still lined up to produce viable gametes.
As to self pollination, maybe. Perhaps you could hand pollinate the first 5 flowers and leave the rest alone to see if they do anything.
Sundew grower liked this
User avatar
By Sundew grower
Location: 
Posts:  160
Joined:  Sun Apr 18, 2021 7:26 pm
#382341
I just bought the plant online, I don't know where they got the parents, but I would assume the bred their own capes and spats.
User avatar
By ChefDean
Location: 
Posts:  9354
Joined:  Tue Sep 18, 2018 12:44 am
#382350
Both of those are easily propagated by cuttings, that's likely how they produced them.
However, there's nothing stopping you from trying. Go for it.
Sundew grower liked this
Polimbo 52

Seedlings in the beginning of their third year. Th[…]

Repotting carnivorous plants

the media looks like peat? Did you add water and f[…]

Seeds received. Thanks Chef and donors!

Counting to infinity.

2496

Beautiful - nice to see your signs of spring!!

Completely agree on the Lowe’s BetterGrow vs[…]

Brushes For Pollination

Yep, I use cotton buds too, I find it easier to di[…]

Support the community - Shop at FlytrapStore.com!