Chiropterophily in Sinningieae (Gesneriaceae): Sinningia brasiliensis and Paliavana prasinata are bat-pollinated, but P. sericiflora is not. Not yet?

Abstract

These data strengthen the statement that the bat syndrome in Sinningieae originated independently in Sinningia brasiliensis and in Paliavana species. Paliavana sericiflora may be another example of a plant 'in transition' from the hummingbird to the bat pollination, but a reversion in the direction of bat to hummingbird might not be excluded. It is also possible that this is a case of speciation on both bat and hummingbird pollination. Studies on Paliavana sister species may provide insights about origins and the evolutionary directions of the pollination systems of these species.

Pollination biology of Paliavana tenuiflora (Gesneriaceae: Sinningeae) in Northeastern Brazil

“…Paliavana tenuifl ora is a shrub with hermaphrodite fl owers having a bell-shaped, violet-purple corolla, and high production of pollen and nectar (SanMartin-Gajardo & Sazima 2005). This species occurs mainly on rocky outcrops in Pernambuco, Bahia, and Minas Gerais (Araujo et al 2005).…”

“…Species of this genus have fl owers that are diversifi ed in form, color and nectar sugar composition, features that may be associated with differe nt groups of pollinators (Wiehler 1983;Perret et al 2001;SanMartin-Gajardo & Sazima 2005). The fl oral features of some species from southeastern Brazil suggest that they may be intermediate between different syndromes and have characteristics associated with distinct visitor groups.…”

“…The fl oral features of some species from southeastern Brazil suggest that they may be intermediate between different syndromes and have characteristics associated with distinct visitor groups. An example is Paliavana sericifl ora Benth., which has fl owers with intermediate characteristics between bird-and bat-syndromes, however, this species is visited and pollinated only by hummingbirds (SanMartin-Gajardo & Sazima 2005).…”

“…In Paliavana tenuifl ora Mansf., the fl oral traits (such as corolla color and shape, fl ower longevity, production of large quantities of concentrated nectar, and hercogamy and protandry) suggest the attraction of different visitors, such as bees, hummingbirds and bats, and that many (or all) of them may be important for reproductive success (Perret et al 2001;SanMartin-Gajardo and Sazima 2005). However, Perret et al (2007) classifi ed this species as melittophilous due to corolla color and shape.…”

Taxonomy of Sinningia Nees (Gesneriaceae) in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil

“…The flowers of Sinningia, like those of Vanhouttea, mostly display long and narrow corolla tubes that are adapted for hummingbird pollination (SanMartin-Gajardo & Sazima 2005a). In the closely related genus Paliavana the flowers have broader and darker corolla tubes which are more similar to a bat pollination syndrome (Perret et al 2001;SanMartin-Gajardo & Sazima 2005b).…”