Breeding system and pollination of Pleroma trichopodum DC. (Melastomataceae): a potential species for the restoration of Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil

Abstract

Plant-pollinator interactions and their reproductive implications are of central importance to the organization of plant populations and communities in restoration areas. We studied the breeding system and flower visitors of Pleroma trichopodum, a pioneer species of the Atlantic Forest. We attempted to answer three questions: (1) Is P. trichopodum dependent on pollinators and mates for reproduction? (2) What are the pollinators of P. trichopodum? (3) Do tree flower-density and flowering-tree density of P. trichopodum enhance the visitation rate of focal trees and their flowers? We tested the breeding system through pollination treatments. We performed focal observations on 10 trees and analyzed the relationship between tree and flower visitation rates, and the tree flower-density and flowering-tree density with Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM). Pleroma trichopodum sets fruits by selfing and outcrossing, both of which occur only through pollinator visits. Bees visited P. trichopodum, and their visitation increased with tree flower-density. Thus, individuals with greater floral displays may function as magnet species, enhancing the pollination of nearby plant species. This characteristic, allied with the ability to reproduce without a mate (selfing) and a tolerance of soggy soils, make P. trichopodum a candidate for Atlantic Forest restoration.

Phenological responses to climate change based on a hundred years of herbarium collections of tropical Melastomataceae

“…In contrast, M. acutiflora had a clear annual pattern, with a peak from November to January, while P. trichopodum flowered along the whole year but concentrated between December and February (S1 Fig) . Studies based on field observations of a set of Melastomataceae species from specific areas of Atlantic Forest [26] found differences in flowering strategies depending on the pollination system: it was aseasonal in pollinator-independent species, while pollinator-dependent species presented some degree of seasonality. Although our sampling is not adequate to test the validity of these associations, some similarities can be observed, as P. clavatum and P. trichopodum are respectively independent [26] and dependent on pollinators [63]. Regarding fruits, the four species sampled here fruited continuously along the year, again corroborating field observations that reported the same pattern, even for species with seasonal flowering [26].…”

“…clavatum and P . trichopodum are respectively independent [ 26 ] and dependent on pollinators [ 63 ]. Regarding fruits, the four species sampled here fruited continuously along the year, again corroborating field observations that reported the same pattern, even for species with seasonal flowering [ 26 ].…”

First report on generalized pollination systems in Melastomataceae for the Andean páramos

“…In addition, the high values for reproductive efficacy suggest a high efficacy of natural pollination in the presence of efficient pollinators or without them. The values reported are even higher than in other species of Melastomataceae (Malucelli et al, 2018). Taken together, our findings demonstrate a reproductive versatility that might be associated with the ability of this species to colonize new areas (Gavrutenko et al, 2020; Holsinger, 2000; Toräng et al, 2017) and/or to be a successful species in the early stages of succession in restoration processes (Cantillo et al, 2009) on the Andes Mountain range.…”

Catálogo polínico de plantas usadas por tres abejorros del género Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) en la Cordillera Oriental de los Andes colombianos

“…La familia Melastomataceae es la cuarta familia más diversa en Colombia, con cerca de 948 especies registradas en el país (Rangel 2015). Son plantas propias del trópico, con flores carentes de nectarios, con un estambre retorcido distanciado del estigma (hercogamia) y con anteras que presentan dehiscencia poricida, polinizadas tanto por abejas -que exhiben el comportamiento de vibración-como por aves (Renner 1989;Stiles et al 1992;Franco et al 2011;Malucelli et al 2018).…”