Floral biology of Adolphia infesta and the reproductive profile of Colletieae (Rhamnaceae)

Authors

  • Diego Medan Universidad de Buenos Aires
  • Gonzalo Castillo-Campos Instituto de Ecología A.C.
  • Gabriela Zarlavsky Universidad de Buenos Aires

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26786/1920-7603(2015)12

Abstract

The reproduction of the shrub Adolphia infesta was studied in a population included in a Mexican agricultural landscape with small, cultivated plots and fragments of natural habitat. Adolphia infesta had reproductive traits consistent with those known for its tribe Colletieae, including small zoophilous flowers exposed to both xenogamous, geitonogamous and visitor-facilitated intrafloral pollination, with selfing being at least partially hindered by self-incompatibility. Visual and olfactory cues, together with easily accessible rewards (nectar and pollen), explain the diversity (68 species of 29 families) of insects attracted to the flowers. However, only a small subset can be considered potential pollinators (honeybee and three muscoid flies). In late floral development, pedicel bending brings the developing fruit to an upright position, which might later optimise explosive seed dispersal. The finding of this trait in A. infesta makes fruit erection a synapomorphy of the AdolphiaDiscariaKentrothamnus clade of the tribe Colletieae. At the study site, A. infestaplayed a significant role as food source for the local anthophilous insect community, and through its flower visitors, the plant was indirectly connected to 11 other plant species. Knowledge derived from community studies should be applied in conservation initiatives directed at enhancing farmers’ appreciation of extant local biodiversity. 

Author Biographies

Diego Medan, Universidad de Buenos Aires

Cátedra de Botánica General, Facultad de Agronomía 

Gonzalo Castillo-Campos, Instituto de Ecología A.C.

 

Gabriela Zarlavsky, Universidad de Buenos Aires

Cátedra de Botánica General, Facultad de Agronomía 

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Published

2015-05-27

How to Cite

Medan, D., Castillo-Campos, G., & Zarlavsky, G. (2015). Floral biology of Adolphia infesta and the reproductive profile of Colletieae (Rhamnaceae). Journal of Pollination Ecology, 16, 82–90. https://doi.org/10.26786/1920-7603(2015)12

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Articles