Generalized pollination of morphologically specialized Vincetoxicum hirundinaria (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae)

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ID: 331518
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Generalized pollination systems with ecologically and/or functionally diverse pollinator assemblages are common in nature. However, the extent to which a plant with specialized floral morphology can exhibit a generalized pollination system remains poorly understood. We investigated this question using Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Medik. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) as a model system—a species whose morphologically specialized flowers are described as being visited by flies, bees, and moths. In preliminary observations we even found various other insects as flower visitors. We hypothesized that V. hirundinaria has a more diverse pollinator spectrum than previously known. To test this hypothesis, we studied the flower biology and pollination ecology of V. hirundinaria at several sites in and around Salzburg. Our findings reveal that the self-incompatible, pale white to ivory-colored flowers open between 4 pm and 6 pm, and attract a diverse community of both diurnal and nocturnal pollinators, including cockroaches, beetles, and ants not previously reported as pollinators of V. hirundinaria. Pollen transfer efficiency and fruit set were low. A high number of non-pollinator species got trapped by the flowers, often fatally. Overall, V. hirundinaria has a more generalized pollination system than previously recognized, showing that a complex floral morphology can coexist with ecological and functional generalization.
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openalex_W7220700634 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Wujian Xiong, Jeff Ollerton, Sigrid Liede‐Schumann, Ulrich Meve, Herbert C Wagner, Wenhui You, Junpeng Mu, Stefan Dötterl
Journal AoB PLANTS
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/aobpla/plag048
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plag048
Keywords Keywords not found

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