How specialised is bird pollination in the Cactaceae?

The floral morphology and pollination of Hemigenia R.Br. and Microcorys R.Br. (Lamiaceae) were examined in the field and laboratory. The protandrous flowers have tubular, two-lipped corollas. Nine floral morphotypes are described. The stamens may be completely sterile (staminodal) or have one theca reduced or absent. The anthers typically have elongated connective tissue and are mobile on the filament. When the lower end of the anther is pushed, the upper end is levered towards the mouth of the corolla tube, hence dusting the pollinator precisely where receptive stigmas will later touch. Bearding on the anthers of the adaxial stamens catches adjacent anthers so that they lever in unison. Staminodes guide insect pollinators into the throat to allow precise pollen dusting. Detailed field observations show that bees and flies are the principle pollinators of most species. Floral morphologies are related to pollinator castes, and reproductive isolation and efficiency is enhanced by precise pollen deposition. Bird pollination is likely to have arisen independently in several taxa. The floral arrangement of these taxa is superficially similar but the syndrome is achieved through different anatomy.

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Bird pollination in South African Salvia species

Flora ◽

10.1016/j.flora.2005.07.016 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 201 (5) ◽

pp. 396-406 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Petra Wester ◽

Regine Claßen-Bockhoff

Keyword(s):

South African ◽

Bird Pollination

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Pollination by Birds

Pollination and Floral Ecology ◽

10.23943/princeton/9780691128610.003.0015 ◽

2011 ◽

Author(s):

Pat Willmer

Keyword(s):

Feeding Apparatus ◽

Bird Pollination ◽

Sensory Capacity ◽

Learning Capabilities ◽

Widespread Phenomenon ◽

Common Birds ◽

And Behavior ◽

Extreme Specialization

This chapter focuses on pollination by birds. Bird pollination, or ornithophily, is a widespread phenomenon. Many common birds visit flowers by biting through or piercing their corollas, notably tits and warblers. Birds primarily take nectar from flowers, although some may also eat pollen and occasionally take solid floral tissues. The chapter first provides an overview of the bird’s feeding apparatus, sensory capacity, and behavior and learning capabilities before discussing various types of flowers that are pollinated by birds such as hummingbirds and perching birds. The foraging behaviors of these birds are also considered, along with the ornithophilous syndrome. The chapter concludes with some observations on why extreme specialization is precluded in ornithophilous relationships.

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