Pollination systems and nectar rewards in four Andean species of Salvia (Lamiaceae) (original) (raw)

Adaptation to the most effective pollinator is often conceived as the primary explanation of widespread convergence in flower phenotypes. However, specialization does not exclude the presence of other floral visitors, which may contribute to plant reproduction. Here we combined observations about pollinators’ visitation rates and effectiveness with nectar secretion dynamics and sugar composition in four Andean Salvia species from Bolivia. The study revealed a wider diversity than expected both in pollination systems and in nectar strategies. While Salvia haenkei Benth. and Salvia stachydifolia Benth. were almost exclusively pollinated by either hummingbirds or bees, respectively, mixed pollination was found in Salvia orbignaei Benth., a species previously described as hummingbird-pollinated. Salvia personata Epling. was exclusively pollinated by syrphid flies. Differences in nectar volume and sugar concentration were found between insect-pollinated species and mixed- or hummingbird-...