The role of E. maritimum (L.) in the dune pollination network of the Balearic Islands.

Abstract

Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae) is a geophyte that inhabits in the dunes of the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Although it is a highly entomophilous species, there is little literature on its pollinator assemblage. The aim of this study is to analyze the role played by E. maritimum in the dune pollination network of the Balearic Islands, where there is an intense anthropogenic impact in its habitat. For this purpose, two populations located in the North and South of Mallorca were chosen, in which diurnal transects were carried out to observe and capture pollinators on 15 plant species during the anthesis period of E. maritimum. The flowering period of 10 plant species flowering at the same period than E. maritimum was analyzed to identify periods of competition. A total of 71 pollinator species were found, belonging to 30 different families. Eryngium maritimum is a strongly generalist species, with a total of 45 pollinator species. Two new species, Odice blandula and Leucospis gigas, were found for the first time in Mallorca. In terms of pollinators, Teucrium dunense and Helichrysum stoechas are the most similar species to E. maritimum. However, analysis of phenology suggests that these three species have been able to decouple their blooms to avoid competition. The present study shows that E. maritimum plays an important role in the dune pollination network, being its anthesis located at the end of the dune flowering season, when there are no functionally similar species in flower.