Abstract
Premise of research. The role of specialist insects in the pollination of cycads is well established, with wind playing little to no role. Questions remain for species within the Cycas rumphii complex that have dispersed via floating seeds to islands far from mainland ancestors. One such species, Cycas micronesica, resides in habitats on the island of Guam that are exposed to trade winds that enhance the potential for wind pollination.Methodology. We examined the distance and direction of horizontal pollen movement either from microstrobili or from experimentally released pollen relative to wind direction and velocity in several different Guam cycad habitats. Wind-dispersed pollen was also captured around megasporophylls and then examined relative to wind and distance from dehiscing microstrobili.Pivotal results. Wind velocity, trap direction, and trap distance from the pollen source were the most important factors affecting pollen capture. In habitats where C. micronesica grows in the deep understory wit...
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
