Pollination ecology of Christmas Bells (Blandfordia nobilis): Effects of pollen quantity and source on seed set

The effect of a number of experimental handpollination regimens on the numbers of seeds set by Blandfordia nobilis flowers was assessed. Individuals were found to be self‐incompatible and to require pollinator visits to set fruit. Pollen limited the female component of reproduction in the two populations studied while pollen source did not have a significant effect on the numbers of seeds set. Experiments using a stuffed honeyeater indicated that maximal seed set could be achieved after just one probe by the pollinator. Appreciable heterogeneity in flowering phenology, the number of seeds naturally setting and the number of seeds setting as a result of hand‐pollinations existed within a small area across a single flowering season.