Floral biology and reproductive system of Passiflora caerulea (Passifloraceae)

AMELA GARCÍA, M. T. & HOC, P. S.

Beitrage zur Biologie der Pflanzen

Berlin

Lugar: Schraudolf, H., Vogel, S. & Weberling, F. Duncker & Humblot.; Año: 1997 vol. 70 p. 1 - 20

Observations of the floral characteristics and of the visitors activity on the flowers during anthesis (made in different localities) allowed to distinguish the floral syndrome (melittophily) and the functions of each visitor. The moment the flowers open varied between localities; duration of anthesis was delayed by cloudiness and rain. The pollen viability was not affected by precipitation. The total percentage of sugars in nectar was 48 %. The predominant colours in the visible spectrum are white and purple. The anthers, limen and base of radii reflect UV light strongly, in contrast with the rest of the floral parts, conforming a pattern that would act as a nectar guide. The principal pollinators are the hymenopterans Xylocopa augusti, X. frontalis, X. artifex and X. nigrocincta (Apoidea, Anthophoridae). A reproductive experiment carried out shows that P. caerulea has a very low degree of self-compatibility.