Pollination Ecology of the Manicaria saccifera (ARECACEAE): A Rare Case of Pollinator Exclusion

Abstract

We studied the reproductive biology and pollination ecology of the palm cabecinegro (Manicaria saccifera) in very wet tropical forest, in the Chocó, Pacific region of Colombia. We present data about the phenology, floral morphology, floral biology, reproductive system, and pollination. M. saccifera is monoecious, self-incompatible, lacks apomixis and has dichogamy in the form of protogyny. Flowering occurs all year round with a peak between April and May. A single individual may produce up to five inflorescences in its reproductive period. Each inflorescence has unisexual flowers grouped in dyads and triads; anthesis is diurnal and the flowers may be receptive for 72 h. Flowers are visited by 10 species of insects. The inflorescences in the female-phase do not offer reward and insects are attracted by olfactory mimicry; in the male-phase flowers reward visitors with pollen and a place to oviposit. The most efficient pollinator is Mystrosp cercus (Nitidulidae), the only visitor arriving in abundance during the female-phase. Other insects do not enter the flower because the peduncular bract and the petals act as barriers, blocking the entrance of insects greater than 2 mm. Having one exclusive pollinator which in turn depends on the palm for its survival is an example of extreme specialization and mutual dependence.way [3,4], and finally, palms are culturally important because many species are essential to the cultural development of local peoples [5].Due to this importance, studies on their reproductive biology have increased in the last decades [6]. Initially, most studies focused on cultivated palms or on widely used species [1,7]; however, recent works have focused on a wider range of palms [8][9][10].Research on the reproductive biology of this plant family has increased our knowledge on the great variety of pollination strategies and mechanisms found in plants and on the strong dependence and intimate association that most palm species share with the insects that pollinate them, mainly species of coleoptera belonging to the families Nitidulidae and Curculionidae [9][10][11]. Due to palms economic, ecologic and cultural importance, studies on palms reproductive biology are essential for their sustainable use, conservation and future domestication [10].Manicaria saccifera is a widely distributed species [12], of ecological importance [1,13] and great economic potential [14,15]. It ranks among the most utilized and economically valuable palms for the Afro-American and indigenous communities of the Chocó biogeographic region: [16] reported 36 different uses for this species, evidencing its versatility as a non-timber forest product. The most significant uses of M. saccifera in the Pacific region of Colombia include: the use of the peduncular bract as a source of fiber for crafts and textiles [15][16][17];weaving the leaf veins for basketry [15]; the use of unexpanded leaves for brooms; the leaves for thatch houses; the immature fruits filled with a liquid resembling coconut water are consumed while working in the...

FLOWER DEVELOPMENT OF MALE AND FEMALE INFLORESCENCE OF OIL PALM, Elaeis guineensis Jacq.

“…Pre-anthesis III (stage 603) begins when the peduncular bract tears more than 50% and increases the separation of spikelets in the inflorescence [Figure 2 During the early phase of flowering development, the inflorescences are covered by a peduncular bract, a protection layer before the inflorescence elongates and is exposed (Adam et al, 2005). In Arecaceae, the peduncular bract is not fully open in early development to prevent and limit the access of insects into the flowers (Copete et al, 2018). This mechanism may prevent the insects or other animals from feeding on tissues of reproductive organs.…”

“…Insects transfer the pollen from male to female flowers when foraging for food. Small insects are good pollinators because their mouthparts and bodies are fixed well with the receptive stigma of Arecaceae (Copete et al, 2018;Zamudio et al, 2021).…”

Phenology of flowering and seed development of jernang rattan (Daemonorops spp.)

“…The inflorescence of jernang rattan is categorized as determinate and develops from January to September. Several other types of Arecaceae also flower throughout Manicaria saccifera, Johannesteijsmannia lanceolata and J. perakensis (Copete et al 2018;Chan dan Chua 2019). The peak flowering occurs during March-May, at the beginning of the dry season, when more insect pollinators are available, similar with what was reported by Chan and Chua (2019) in Johannesteijsmannia spp.…”

“…Knowledge about the flowering phenology and seed set is beneficial to (i) assist breeding activities, (ii) improve resin quality and yield, and (iii) produce quality seeds. Furthermore, the phenology study can be utilized to estimate a species' reproduction capacity and conservation management (Morellato et al 2016;Copete et al 2018). Jernang rattan is reported to have a polycarpic type of flowering with vegetative and generative growth continuing until the plant dies (Dransfield and Manokaran 1996;Hourt 2008).…”

Pollination Ecology, Breeding System, and Conservation of Butia lallemantii Deble & Marchiori (Arecaceae): A Useful Dwarf Palm Tree from the Pampa

“…To test for cross-pollination, we developed a xenogamy test for fertilizing pistillate flowers with pollen from a different individual [ 22 , 89 ]. Natural fruit formation was studied by leaving rachillae uncovered, thus allowing access to floral visitors [ 22 , 90 ].…”