Outcrossing and fecundity advantage of females in gynodioecious Chionographis japonica var. kurohimensis (Liliaceae)

The selfing rate of hermaphrodites, inbreeding depression, and relative fecundity of females compared ot hermaphrodites were estimated. Despite the high level of selfing of hermaphrodites, significant amounts of inbreeding depression were found in seed germination and seedling growth. Also, females produced more fertilized ovules than hermaphrodites. Nevertheless, the conditions theoretically required for maintaining gynodioecy were not satisfied even if the combined effect of these two factors was considered. Additional causes for the evolution of gynodioecy, including biparental inbreeding, are discussed. -from Author