Functions of heteranthery and enantiostyly for wing pollination by pollen-collecting bees in Dilatris ixioides (Haemodoraceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Evolutionary floral modifications that enable plants to exploit particular body parts of animals for pollen transfer are considered a key contributor to the angiosperm radiation. Species of Dilatris (Haemodoraceae) have an unusual combination of floral traits including a centrally positioned stamen with a large anther flanked by two stamens with smaller anthers (heteranthery) and styles that are deflected either to the right or left on flowers of the same plant (monomorphic enantiostyly). We investigated the pollination functions of these traits in D. ixioides to better understand their evolution.

Methods

We quantified floral traits including morphology, pollen production by different anthers and spectral reflectance of various organs. We also assessed th

SUBMITTER: Johnson SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12933676 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature