Macroscopic and microscopic study on floral biology and pollination of Cinnamomum verum Blume (Sri Lankan)

Cinnamomum verum Blume (syn Cinnamomum zeylanicum) commonly known as Ceylon cinnamon, has gained worldwide attention and well supported by experimental data. Maintaining the yield quality and quantity are essential, especially for high-end value-added products. Breeding superior varieties and producing good quality planting materials are critical for commercial cultivation efforts. However, limited literature is available on the floral development and biology of C. verum. We assessed the seasonal flowering, floral development and pollination of type A and type B varieties of C. verum. Both macroscopic and microscopic data were collected on floral biology, pollination, male and female floral organs before and after pollination. Cinnamomum verum is morpho-anatomically, structurally, and physiologically adapted for cross-pollination, possible between the two cultivars; type A (Sri Gemunu) and type B (Sri Wijaya) flowers; naturally evolved with Protogynous Dichogamy. It possesses a dry stigma, which changes its surface characteristics after pollination. During close-pollination, a higher percentage of pollen shrink and shrivel on stigma while it develops callose plugs to obstruct the growth of the pollen tube. However, during changes in environmental conditions, female and male stages in the same tree overlap for about 45-60 min suggesting possible close-pollination within the same plant. Moreover, 4-8% of the flowers formed fruits after natural close and hand pollination. pollen was found fully hydrated even after close-pollination. Although C. verum is adapted for cross-pollination, natural close-pollination is also possible. The data suggest the complex nature of the sexual reproduction of C. verum. Well-managed breeding attempts will develop superior C. verum varieties.