Pollination strategies of Berberis microphylla G. Forst, a Patagonian barberry

S RADICE; M ARENA; F SUAREZ; L LANDI; J CALO

Murcia

Workshop; II International Workshop on Floral Biology and S-Incompatibility in Fruit Species; 2016

International Society for Horticultural Science

Calafate (Berberismicrophylla G. Forst) is a spontaneous shrub of Patagonia. Fruits are blackblueberries rich in antioxidant compounds such us flavonols and anthocyanins. Bloomingoccurs in spring and flowers at anthesis show bright yellow sepals and petals, a receptivestigma, non-dehiscent anthers and high nectar production that results in a pleasant aroma.Like all the species of the genus Berberis the stamens are retractable, and dehiscence occursafter mechanical stimulation. The objective of this study was to understand the differentmechanisms developed to achieve effective flower pollination. Thus, floral offering wasquantified at full bloom, and anther movement, nectar production and sugar concentrationand interaction with visitor insects was studied in detail.