Connective appendages in Huberia bradeana (Melastomataceae) affect pollen release during buzz pollination

• DOI: 10.1111/plb.13244
• Publication Date: 2021-02-07T13:05:51Z
• Authors: T. Bochorny; L. F. Bacci; A. S. Dellinger; F. A. Michelangeli; R. Goldenberg; V. L. G. Brito
• Keywords: Appendage; Melastomataceae; Zoophily

Abstract Floral structures, such as stamen appendages, play crucial roles in pollinator attraction, pollen release dynamics and, ultimately, the reproductive success of plants. The pollen‐rewarding, bee buzz‐pollinated flowers Melastomataceae often bear conspicuous staminal appendages. Surprisingly, their functional role pollination process remains largely unclear. We use Huberia bradeana Bochorny & R. Goldenb. ( ) with conspicuously elongated, twisted appendages to investigate process. studied effect on behaviour and by comparing manipulated (appendages removed) unmanipulated flowers. To assess behaviour, we measured three properties buzzes (vibrations) produced bees flowers: frequency, duration number per flower visit. male female monitoring deposition after single visits. Finally, used artificial vibrations laser vibrometry how vibrational change removal Our results show that absence does not modify buzzing behaviour. Pollen was higher flowers, but stigmatic loads differ only marginally between two treatments. also detected lower vibration amplitudes intact compared experiments. presence connective are transmitting assuring optimal release. Therefore, propose high diversity colours, shapes sizes may have evolved selection through fitness.