In:
Canadian Journal of Botany, Canadian Science Publishing, Vol. 80, No. 4 ( 2002-04-01), p. 340-348
Abstract:
A particularly interesting aspect of the study of organisms in insular environments is plant reproduction and the interaction of plants with their pollinators. Differences in composition between the fauna and flora of continental and island populations, combined with their geographical isolation, have frequently driven rapid evolution in colonizing populations. In particular, floral traits and compatibility systems tend to favour autogamy in response to a paucity of pollinators in the environment. In this context we investigate the origins of the reproductive biology of Aloe mayottensis Berger, a lily endemic to the island of Mayotte. We show that this species is pollinated by the island's endemic sunbird species, and has floral traits and a reproduction system that favour allogamy. Our results show that A. mayottensis is a protandrous and partially self-compatible species. Analysis of stigmatic pollen load shows that stigma received a mean of 56 crossed pollen grains and 62.2 selfed pollen grains per stigma. Study of visitation rates of plants and flowers by the sunbird showed that there is daily variation in the activity of this pollinator, and that males are more active than females.Key words: Aloe mayottensis, floral biology, Lomatophyllum, Nectarinia, bird pollinization, sunbirds, Oceanic islands, Mayotte.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0008-4026
Language:
English
Publisher:
Canadian Science Publishing
Publication Date:
2002
detail.hit.zdb_id:
218116-2
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1481926-0
SSG:
12
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