The present study provides new information about the reproductive biology of Boswellia sacra (Burseraceae), focusing on the nectary and its attractiveness for pollinators. The nectary disc changes its color from yellow to orange and red during the flower development. The colors are related to the main period of the stigmatic receptivity, to the dehiscence of anthers with pollen presentation and the nectar secretion. Pollinators preferentially visit the flowers in the " yellow" phase and neglect the " red phase" This suggests a sophisticated dialogue between the plant and its pollinators. The color change from yellow to red occurs in a very short time (less than 24. h) and it is due to the accumulation of anthocyanins. Despite this dialogue between plant and pollinators, the number of fruits is often scanty.
Floral color changes in Boswellia sacra Flueck. (Burseraceae): A dialogue between plant and pollinator / M.M. Lippi, C. Giuliani, T. Gonnelli, L.M. Bini. - In: FLORA. - ISSN 0367-2530. - 206:9(2011 Sep), pp. 821-826. [10.1016/j.flora.2011.04.008]
Floral color changes in Boswellia sacra Flueck. (Burseraceae): A dialogue between plant and pollinator
C. GiulianiSecondo
;
2011
Abstract
The present study provides new information about the reproductive biology of Boswellia sacra (Burseraceae), focusing on the nectary and its attractiveness for pollinators. The nectary disc changes its color from yellow to orange and red during the flower development. The colors are related to the main period of the stigmatic receptivity, to the dehiscence of anthers with pollen presentation and the nectar secretion. Pollinators preferentially visit the flowers in the " yellow" phase and neglect the " red phase" This suggests a sophisticated dialogue between the plant and its pollinators. The color change from yellow to red occurs in a very short time (less than 24. h) and it is due to the accumulation of anthocyanins. Despite this dialogue between plant and pollinators, the number of fruits is often scanty.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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