Topic: Are anubias flowers self fertile?

[Ppulcher]

I've been growning Anubias barteri plants for many years, and I get flowers regularly. Normally they are submerged. In a shallow 15 gallon tank I leave about an inch space between the water and the top of the tank. This tank is really too small for this plant. Today I noticed that a flower stalk had broken the surface of the water and what looked to be pollen grains were dusting the leaves below (click for big):



Are these flowers self fertile? If so, how do I go about pretending I'm a bee? It might be fun to see if I can get some seeds.

Another flower on the way, and a very crowded tank. The plant takes up about 3/4 of this tank. I hacked half of it away last year. Time for another prune I think.

[Essabee]

If anubias is in shallow water and you get emerged flowers you can cross pollinate the flowers using a colouring brush from a child's water paint box. As soon as you see pollens ready (dust on the sepal) go through the exercise once every day for a week. The anubias flower will remain on the stalk for about a month before wilting.

If your actions achieve success the flower will not wilt but form a fruit. Wait for it to ripen and dry before removing it from the plant. The seeds will be viable.

Good luck. Please don't trim and take a lot of pictures. 

[Ppulcher]

Thanks Joy.   I've been trying to move the pollen around.  I have another flower opening up so I'll keep my fingers crossed.