Fig. 1From: Sexual specialization in phenology in dioecious Ficus benguetensis and its consequences for the mutualismDevelopmental progress of a dioecious Ficus. Prereceptive stage (A phase) begins with the appearance of the fig buds. When figs are ready to be pollinated, the receptive stage (B phase) begins. From the outside, the bracts slightly open to permit the mutualistic wasp to enter. After pollination, the bracts close and the interfloral stage begins (C phase). At this stage, pollinating wasp larvae develop exclusively within the ovaries of male figs, which are transformed into galls. The development of male figs and wasp larvae finishes with the wasp-releasing stage (D phase) when the stamens are mature and adult wasps exit their natal galls. In female trees, the final stage is the ripe stage (E phase), coinciding with seed maturation and frugivore attractionBack to article page