Evidence for moth pollination in a rhinomyiophilous Erica species from the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa.

ABSTRACT: Contrasting pollination syndromes in closely related species suggest that floral trait divergence is associated with differences in pollination system, but empirical observations are required to confirm syndrome-based predictions. We present a comparative study of two closely related Erica species with contrasting pollination syndromes from the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. Ericacylindrica has narrowly tubular pale and strongly scented flowers and is known to be hawkmoth-pollinated. The closely related Ericainfundibuliformis has bright flower colours and appears to lack scent, traits that are suggestive of pollination by long-tongued nemestrinid flies (rhinomyiophily). Floral trait measurements revealed that both species exhibit predominantly upright flower or

SUBMITTER: van der Niet T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11384911 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature