| Abstract Detail
Tropical Biology Section Lumer, Cecile [1]. Pollination of Blakea purpusii (Melastomataceae) by birds in Mexico. Pollination of Blakea purpusii (Melastomataceae) by birds in Mexico.
The genus Blakea in the tropical family Melastomataceae is represented in Central America by two floral types. The most common are showy, open dish-shaped, pink and white flowers with a sweet scent. These flowers are buzz pollinated by several species of bees. However, the genus also contains species in which the flowers are green, lack scent, are cryptic, and hang below and within the foliage. Several of the green flowered species in Costa Rica are pollinated by small rats and mice. The most northern green-flowered species, B. purpusii, is found in Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico on the sides of Volcan Tacana, adjacent to Guatemala. B. purpusii has several characters in common with the other green-flowered Blakea species. However, there is one important character which sets B. purpusii apart and which points to a difference in pollinators. The anthers of the rodent pollinated species are maroon, whereas the anthers of B. purpusii are yellow and the base of the inside of the petals is deep rose pink. B. purpusii is visited and pollinated by several bird species, including migratory birds. All species of Blakea studied were found to be self compatible. To date the evidence indicates that while birds may be involved in selfing, little autogamy occurs in B. purpusii. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Cochise County Herbarium, 1140 N Colombo Ave, Sierra Vista, AZ, 85635, United States
Keywords:
pollination
rodent pollination
bird pollination.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 11
Location: Portland Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 10:30 AM
Number: 11001
Abstract ID:180 |
