Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 2007 |
Authors: | C. K. McMullen |
Journal: | Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society |
Volume: | 153 |
Issue: | 1 |
Pagination: | 21 - 31 |
Date Published: | 2007/// |
ISBN Number: | 0024-4074 |
Abstract: | Tournefortia rufo-sericea is an endemic member of the Galapagos angiosperm flora. Although not uncommon within the archipelago, its status is presently listed as vulnerable and, as such, a complete knowledge of its pollination biology may prove useful in preventing its decline. Pollination experiments, flower-visitor observations, nectar and fluorescence studies, as well as pollen : ovule ratio and pollen size studies were included in this investigation. The small, white flowers of this species set fruit via open pollination (81%), autonomous self-pollination (80%), diurnal pollination (80%), and nocturnal pollination (85%). Ants are the most common visitor to the flowers of this species, primarily during the day, whereas beetles and moths make visits at night. A small amount of nectar is presumably produced, as moths are often seen probing the corollas. Experiments with fluorescent dust did not support interflower pollen movement. The pollen : ovule ratio was 4972 : 1, which suggests xenogamy, and the mean pollen size was 21 mu m. Despite the pollen : ovule ratio, it appears that this species exhibits a breeding strategy of facultative autogamy, in which the majority of flowers set fruit via autonomous self-pollination, but limited outcrossing may occur when pollinators are available. Conservation efforts for T. rufo-sericea should focus on the control or eradication of exotic species. (c) 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 153, 21-31. |
URL: | ://000243411800003 |
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