A pollinator shift explains floral divergence in an orchid species complex in South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Floral diversification driven by shifts between pollinators has been one of the key explanations for the radiation of angiosperms. According to the Grant-Stebbins model of pollinator-driven speciation, these shifts result in morphologically distinct 'ecotypes' which may eventually become recognizable as species. The current circumscription of the food-deceptive southern African orchid Eulophia parviflora encompasses a highly variable monophyletic species complex. In this study, two forms were identified within this complex that differ in distribution, floral morphology, scent chemistry and phenology, and a test was made of whether these differences represent adaptations for different pollinators.

Methods and results

Multivariate analysis of floral and veg

SUBMITTER: Peter CI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3890387 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature