Evolution of herkogamy and gynodioecy in Moroccan species ofRomulea (Iridaceae)

Herkogamy and gynodioecy were studied in the Moroccan species ofRomulea. Several types of herkogamy are shown to occur in the different species, with each type corresponding to a characteristic perianth size. The degree of differentiation between female and hermaphrodite morphs varies among the different gynodioecious species. Herkogamy is considered to have evolved prior to the development of the gynodioecious condition. An evolutionary interpretation is proposed based on the degree of herkogamy and of gynodioecy in the different species.