Among-species differences in pollen quality and quantity limitation: implications for endemics in biodiverse hotspots.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Insufficient pollination is a function of quantity and quality of pollen receipt, and the relative contribution of each to pollen limitation may vary with intrinsic plant traits and extrinsic ecological properties. Community-level studies are essential to evaluate variation across species in quality limitation under common ecological conditions. This study examined whether endemic species are more limited by pollen quantity or quality than non-endemic co-flowering species in three endemic-rich plant communities located in biodiversity hotspots of different continents (Andalusia, California and Yucatan).

Methods

Natural variations in pollen receipt and pollen tube formation were analysed for 20 insect-pollinated plants. Endemic and non-endemic species that

SUBMITTER: Alonso C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3806542 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature