Pollination Biology Of Two Species Of Kielmeyera (guttiferae) From Brazilian Cerrado Vegetation

The pollination biology and breeding systems of Kielmeyera coriacea and K. speciosa, two sympatric woody species common in the cerrado vegetation of C. Brazil, were studied. Both species have similar nectarless, polystemonous "Papaver-type" flowers which are visited by a similar spectrum of insects, though they bloom in different seasons and are thus phenologically isolated. Large carpenter bees seem to be the most important pollinators and these and other bees effect "buzz pollen" retrieval despite the fact that anthers are not poricidal. Both species of Kielmeyera possess strong xenogamous breeding systems. The presence of staminate flowers and andromonoecy in K. coriacea, as well as the longevity of K. speciosa flowers are discussed as alternative strategies to improve pollination success and reproductive efficacy. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.1721-4354