Pollinator-dependence and specialization in three sunbird-pollinated, fire-stimulated flowering species.

ABSTRACT: Fires dramatically reduce both floral resources and pollinator abundance, potentially compromising flowering plant reproduction in post-fire landscapes through low pollination rates. Yet, some plant species flower shortly after fires (fire-stimulated flowering (FSF)), which seems a risky strategy given low pollinator abundance after fire. We investigated whether bird-pollinated plants with FSF have low pollinator dependence and generalized pollination systems to ensure reproduction in post-fire landscapes. This study was conducted in three nature reserves in fynbos within the Cape Floristic Region that experienced fires between 6 and 15 months previously. One bird-pollinated species (Watsonia pillansii, Satyrium carneum, or W. fourcadei) dominated at each site, where flower visitor counts

SUBMITTER: Mantintsilili A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12710814 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature