In flowering plants, the transition from cross-fertilization (outcrossing) to self-fertilization has evolved repeatedly across species. This shift is often accompanied by a well-known set of traits collectively called the "selfing syndrome," including smaller flowers and reduced scent. However, a new study highlights that important but largely overlooked changes also occur at the microscopic level of pollen biology.

In flowering plants, the transition from cross-fertilization (outcrossing) to self-fertilization has evolved repeatedly across species. This shift is often accompanied by a well-known set of traits collectively called the “selfing syndrome,” including smaller flowers and reduced scent. However, a new study highlights that important but largely overlooked changes also occur at the microscopic level of pollen biology.

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