Two flower species show that close relatives can coexist

Scientists have discovered how two closely-related species of Asiatic dayflower can coexist in the wild despite their competitive relationship. Through a combination of field surveys and artificial pollination experiments, the new study shows that while reproductive interference exists between the two species,Commelina communis and Commelina communis forma ciliata, both can counter the negative effects of this interference through self-fertilization.