The natural history of pollination and mating in bird-pollinated Babiana (Iridaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Floral variation, pollination biology and mating patterns were investigated in sunbird-pollinated Babiana (Iridaceae) species endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. The group includes several taxa with specialized bird perches and it has been proposed that these function to promote cross-pollination.

Methods

Pollinator observations were conducted in 12 populations of five taxa (B. ringens subspp. ringens, australis, B. hirsuta, B. avicularis, B. carminea) and geographic variation in morphological traits investigated in the widespread B. ringens. Experimental pollinations were used to determine the compatibility status, facility for autonomous self-pollination and intensity of pollen limitation in six populations of four taxa. Allozyme markers were e

SUBMITTER: de Waal C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3278289 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature