Floral Scent and Pollination in Browneopsis disepala (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) in Western Ecuador

Aspects of the pollination ecology of Browneopsis disepala, including floral scent composition, were studied. Floral scent was collected with head space techniques and analyzed by coupled gas chromotography-mass spectometry. Inflorescence and flower development were followed, and amount and concentr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brittonia 1998, Vol.50 (2), p.174-182
Main Authors: Knudsen, Jette T., Klitgaard, Bente B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Bats
Butterflies & moths
Flower buds
Flowering
Flowers
Gas chromatography
Headspace
Inflorescences
Mass spectrometry
Mass spectroscopy
Moths
Nectar
Plant ecology
Plants
Plants (botany)
Pollinating insects
Pollination
Pollinators
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Summary:Aspects of the pollination ecology of Browneopsis disepala, including floral scent composition, were studied. Floral scent was collected with head space techniques and analyzed by coupled gas chromotography-mass spectometry. Inflorescence and flower development were followed, and amount and concentration of nectar measured. Flower-visiting animals were observed nocturnally and diurnally. Inflorescences of B. disepala emit a floral scent that is typical of neither moth- nor bat-pollinated plants, but contains some compounds related to both pollination types. Nectar is produced in quantities and with sugar concentrations falling within a range typical of both moth-and bat-pollinated plants. The inflorescences are visited by both moths and bats, but the behavior of the bats suggests that they are the more efficient pollinators. Browneopsis disepala has a mixed pollination system and is dependent on animals for pollination.
ISSN:0007-196X
1938-436X
DOI:10.2307/2807848