Pollination system of two endemic Bolivian cacti: Harrisia tetracantha and Neoraimondia herzogiana

Abstract

Columnar cacti may present different mating systems that vary according to distinct factors, and the studies of these systems are essential to preserve cactus species. Bolivia is the fourth country with most diversity of Cactaceae, still scarce information about the reproductive biology of the endemic cactus species is known. Therefore, we assessed the pollination type, pollination syndrome and flower visitors of the endemic columnar cacti Harrisia tetracantha and Neoraimondia herzogiana. We hypothesize that they would present cross and self-pollination as strategies to ensure reproduction in the bioclimatic variable dry inter-Andean valleys.