Aloe hildebrandtii

[Herts Mike]

I’ve had this in flower for about the last month or so and I’m surprised at the amount of seed pods being set. There are few insects at this time of the year so does anybody know if it’s self fertile?

[Davey246]

Self-compatibility is no guarantee of seed-set unless the structures allow self-polination. At least some primulas, for instance, are entirely self-compatible, but the flower structures seldom allow it to happen.

[Herts Mike]

Well, yes. But it’s not answering my question.

[Pattock]

I’ve had this in flower for about the last month or so and I’m surprised at the amount of seed pods being set. There are few insects at this time of the year so does anybody know if it’s self fertile?

Aren't they bird-pollinated, usually? Do you have any blackcaps or other warblers around?

[Herts Mike]

Er, not in the greenhouse in December...

[esp]

Do the pods seem to be setting viable seed, or are they just empty or with undeveloped seeds?
I haven’t been able to find much info on which Aloes are self fertile, but have a couple of Aloes / Haworthias can self to some extent, especially if if tickled extensively.

[Herts Mike]

Not yet sure. Too early.

Not solved btw. Not sure how that got in there.

[Pattock]

Could you have a big nocturnal moth overwintering in your greenhouse?