Manglietia conifera Dandy is a fast-growing tree species that has been introduced to China from Vietnam, which has great potential for commercial planting. However, plantation development is hindered by a lack of seed material, due to low natural seed-set in locally grown trees. Thus, we investigated the morphological characteristics of male and female flower organs, and conducted controlled pollination to understand the breeding systems of the species. The individual flower of M. conifera is bisexual, and the stamen group is polymerized at the base of the receptacle. Pollen is symmetrically distributed on both sides. Controlled pollination suggests that apomixis does not occur in M. conifera. Results from the flower structure, pollen–ovule ratio, outcrossing index, and controlled pollination indicated that the breeding system in M. conifera was outcrossing (partially self-compatible, pollinators required), and self-incompatibility occurred in a later stage of embryonic development. Moreover, the self-incompatibility phenomenon was revealed by the abnormal germination of pollen on the stigma. This paper provides a basis for controlled pollination programs of M. conifera.

This study aimed to explore how storage temperature (25 °C, 4 °C, −20 °C, and −196 °C), drying duration (0, 1, 3, 5 days), and aril removal affect the physiological, biochemical, and microbial community traits of Michelia macclurei seeds. After one month of storage, physiological, biochemical, and microbial indexes were evaluated. Results showed that seeds dried for one day and stored at 4 °C had the highest vigor and germination rates. Storage at 4 °C or −196 °C significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and affected water content, soluble sugar, protein, malondialdehyde, and amylase levels. Principal component analysis confirmed that retaining arils and drying for 0~1 day before storage at −196 °C or 4 °C was optimal for maintaining seed quality. Microbial analysis revealed that low temperatures increased fungal diversity and bacterial diversity, though bacterial richness decreased compared to 25 °C storage. Ascomycota and Proteobacteria were dominant at the phylum level, while Penicillium and Rhodococcus were the dominant genera. Drying time and aril removal also influenced microbial structure. Overall, moderate drying and low-temperature storage, especially at 4 °C or −196 °C with arils retained, most effectively preserved seed vigor and shaped favorable microbial communities.