Flower visitors of Streptocarpus teitensis: implications for conservation of a critically endangered African violet species in Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The African violets are endangered plant species restricted mainly to the Eastern Arc Mountains biodiversity hotspots in Kenya and Tanzania. These plants grow well in shaded environments with high humidity. Given their restricted geographical range and published evidence of dependance on insect vectors to facilitate sexual reproduction, understanding their pollination biology is vital for their survival.

Methods

We conducted an empirical study using flower visitor observations, pan trapping and bagging experiments to establish the role of flower visitors in the fruit set of a locally endemic and critically endangered species of African violet in Taita Hills, Kenya, Streptocarpus teitensis.

Results

The study found that fruit set is increased by 47.8%

SUBMITTER: Otieno M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7845525 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature