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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2002; 4(5): 640-646
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-35433
Original Paper
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

Pollination Biology of Distylous Rubiaceae in the Atlantic Rain Forest, SE Brazil

C. C. De Castro 1 , P. E. De Oliveira 2
  • 1 Depto. Botânica, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SE Brazil
  • 2 Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Duque de Caxias, 285, CP 593, CEP 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, SE Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

Received: October 30, 2001

Accepted: June 21, 2002

Publication Date:
15 November 2002 (online)

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Abstract

Data on pollination biology constitute important clues for the comprehension of pollen flow and genetic differentiation in plant populations. Pollinator type, availability and behaviour may modify morphological and mating patterns in populations of typically distylous species. This study investigates the pollination biology of four distylous species of Rubiaceae in the Atlantic rain forest, SE Brazil. Data on flowering phenology, floral lifespan, stigmatic receptivity, pollen availability, nectar volume and concentration, and pollinator activity were collected. The species studied flower sequentially throughout the wet season, and produce terminal inflorescences which bear small, tubular, diurnal, nectariferous flowers. Despite these similarities, some of the species studied are pollinated by different groups of pollinators, probably due to their distribution, availability of flowers and corolla length. On the other hand, pollinator specificity does not seem to be so important for distylous species. Long mouthparts, like those of most of the recorded pollinators, may reach lower sexual organs and, together with the self- and intramorph-incompatibilities observed, be sufficient to perform legitimate pollination and maintain levels of intermorph mating.

Key words

Atlantic rain forest - bees - butterflies - distyly - pollination - Psychotria - Rubiaceae - Rudgea

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C. C. De Castro

Depto. Botânica
Universidade Estadual de Campinas

CP 6109
CEP 13083-970
Campinas, SP
SE Brazil

Email: cibelecastro@hotmail.com

Section Editor: G. Gottsberger