Background:

The Bromeliaceae family has undergone one of the most remarkable adaptive radiations within angiosperms, partly due to its diversity of reproductive strategies. However, pollinators are known for only 4 % of its about 3,800 species.

Questions:

What is the flowering pattern like? Which are the characteristics of nectar? What is the breeding system? Which are the effective pollinators?

Studied species:

Tillandsia limbata Schldl.

Study site and dates:

The study was carried out in Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico, from April to October, 2021.

Methods:

Phenology was determined by recording daily the number of open flowers and their characteristics at different stages of anthesis. Nectar secretion was evaluated by extractions during anthesis. Identification of floral visitors was carried out through recordings and direct observations. The breeding system and pollinator effectiveness were determined using controlled pollination experiments.

Results:

Tillandsia limbata produces on average 2.6 flowers per day, with a constant nectar secretion during the day and a self-incompatibility system with high xenogamous capacity. Ten species of floral visitors were recorded, of which the most frequent were the bee Trigona fulviventris and the hummingbird Anthracothorax prevostii.

Conclusions:

The effective pollinators of T. limbata are hummingbirds, as they favor the highest fruit and seed production. Bees are secondary pollinators; however, they steal pollen and nectar, consume floral parts and displace hummingbirds from flowers, which negatively affects the reproductive success of this bromeliad.

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