CROSS POLLINATION 
Cross pollination is accomplished by introducing the pollen from one 
variety of a species to the stigma of the other chosen parent plant. We 
will try to summarize the Botannical characteristics which are the main 
ones necessary to carry on successful plant breeding. The first part 
of the blossom you will note is the calyx, the tiny green protective cover- 
ing which conceals the bud in the early stages of development and pro- 
vides the base for the blossom. Next, the petals which provide the 
target for helpful insects so that they might carry on the job of pollinat- 
ing ina natural state. The Saintpaulia however is a bi-Sexual plant and 
is self-pollinating unless this process is interrupted and pollination done 
by hand. There are four pollen sacks or anthers in the center of the 
flower, which, along with the filaments make up the stamen or male 
organ. 
The pistil is the female organ comprised of the stigma, style and 
ovules. The stigma is the part on the tip that develops the sticky sur- 
face that catches and holds the pollen before it starts its travel down 
into the style on the way to the ovule. Once it reaches the ovule the 
actual fertilization takes place. 
A period of from six to nine months is required to produce mature 
seed pods. These are then removed from the plant and allowed to ripen 
for a short period of time before they are planted. From here on is 
where you will begin to realize just how good or how poor a job you have 
done. 
You may have something most Startling to the Violet world, and, as 
PISTIL STAMEN 
/ ANTHER CLOSED 
y POLLEN 
\ STIGMA of 
ANTHERS LAID OPEN 
