The pollination ecology of a rare case of bee-pollinated Psittacanthus mistletoe.

Abstract

The genus Psittacanthus (Loranthaceae) is widely distributed in the Neotropical region, where it is known for its large, colourful, scentless flowers. Until very recently, all Psittacanthus species were regarded as exclusively hummingbird-pollinated and the large species radiation in the genus attributed to the interactions with bird dispersers and pollinators. P. eucalyptifolius (Kunth) G.Don. is the only species reported as bee-pollinated. Here we describe the floral biology, floral visitors, and the reproductive system of P.eucalyptifolius in an Amazonian savanna, Brazil. We also compare the pollination success (reproductive performance) among different Psittacanthus species reported in previous studies. Psittacanthus eucalyptifolius produces sweet-scented flowers, and a small quantity of concentrated nectar. At least five species of scopate bees were recorded visiting and carrying pollen of P. eucalyptifolius. Xylocopa frontalis carried most pollen, visited more flowers, remained longer, and touched reproductive parts of flowers in >95% of the observed visits. Experiments indicate that P. eucalyptifolius is partially autocompatible (39% autonomous pollination) but depends on pollinators to achieve higher performance (~78% in control), indicating that bees can be as effective as birds in pollinating this group of mistletoes.