Pollination biology in the genus Calceolaria (Calceolariaceae).

SÉRSIC, ALICIA

Biology Centre of the Upper Austrian Museums

Lugar: Linz; Año: 2004 p. 121

Abstract:A comparative analysis of the floral biology in 48 species of the genus Calceolaria (Calceolariaaceae) is done; 29 of them were studied at their native habitats. Cultivated plants, dried and FAA preserved specimens were also used. An analysis of the floral structures which have an antoecological importance, are described. Features of corolla, elaiophore, androecium, gynoecium and anthesis are treated in detail; thin layer chromatography studies of the floral oils, are also performed; the food body for C. uniflora is described. Oil collectors of the two pollinator bees genera (Centris and Chalepogenus) are described based on specimens collected in the field. An account on visitation of 19 species in natural populations and the behavior of the bee-visitors is given. Sternotribic pollination is documented and described for 5 species of Sect. Rugosae and one of Sect. Integerrimae. Ornithophily with a food body as reward is also described and documented for the genus. Based on the available data, the floral syndromes of Calceolaria are appear to be restricted to:    1. Melitophily       a. with oils as reward       b. with pollen as reward    2. Ornithophily The distribution of the floral syndromes on the different Sections of the genus is also analyzed and its relation to the geographical distribution of Calceolaria in South America is considered. KEYWORDS: Calceolaria, pollination, oil-flowers, oil-bees, Chalepogenus, Centris, ornithophily.