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Observations on the effect of nectar-robbery on the reproductive success of Aeranthes arachnitis (Orchidaceae)

Roberts, David L. (2007) Observations on the effect of nectar-robbery on the reproductive success of Aeranthes arachnitis (Orchidaceae). Lankesteriana, 7 (3). pp. 509-514. ISSN 1409-3871. (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:38425)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.

Abstract

While the presence of nectar is the most common floral reward offered by orchids, approximately one-third of orchid species have evolved mechanisms of deceit whereby the pollinator receives no reward. Lack of reward has been shown to have a significant negative effect on reproductive success in the Orchidaceae, however the phenomenon of nectar-robbery has been poorly studied. Here we investigate the effect of nectar-robbery induced deceit by invasive ants in the nectariferous orchid Aeranthes arachnitis. Fruiting success was found to be below 5% at three sites, including two conservation areas, compared with 48.5% at a site next to plantations. All the populations showed loss of floral nectar, ranging from 64.3% to 100% of flowers observed. Loss of nectar to robbers that do not facilitate pollination not only represents a cost to fruiting success but also a loss of a resource to the orchid through reabsorption of any excess. Using Bell’s Theory of nectar concealment it is possible to determine the critical point, below which nectar-robbery negatively affects fruiting success. Based on related angraecoid orchids the proportion of nectar bearing flowers would, theoretically, need to be 70%. The higher levels of reproductive success surrounded by plantations may due to the presence of the non-native Callistemon citrinus acting as nectar source, thus maintaining an increased local abundance of the pollinator. This has important implications for the conservation and management of Aeranthes arachnitis and other species, which rely on nectariferous pollinators, particularly when a nectar bearing species becomes essentially deceptive. The result suggests that management of this nectar-robbery induced deceptive species should involve the manipulation of rewarding species within the surrounding area.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled keywords: Aeranthes arachnitis, ants, Bell’s Theory, nectar-robbery, Orchidaceae, reproductive success.
Subjects: Q Science
Q Science > QH Natural history
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH541 Ecology
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH75 Conservation (Biology)
Q Science > QK Botany
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Depositing User: David Roberts
Date Deposited: 21 Feb 2014 08:32 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:14 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/38425 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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