The many elusive pollinators in the genus Amorphophallus

Abstract

The genus Amorphophallus encompasses some 230 species and is one of the largest genera of the Araceae family. Most species release scents, smelling of carrion, faeces, dung and similar nauseating odours for pollinator attraction and are therefore considered to have evolved a deceptive pollination syndrome. Some of the most iconic members of the genus, such as the A. titanum and A. gigas, are considered to be carrion mimics. Copro-necrophagous insects, beetles and flies in particular, are attracted by these scents and are therefore assumed to act as pollinators. However, many reports and observations on Amorphophallus pollinators are anecdotal in nature or do not distinguish between legitimate pollinators and non-pollinating visitors. Moreover, some published observations are not readily accessible as they are many decades old. Therefore, the available data and information about insect visitors and/or pollinators in the genus Amorphophallus is compiled, reviewed and discussed.

Odor polymorphism in deceptiveAmorphophallusspecies - a review

“… 24 Similarly, the simultaneous attraction of predators, preying on visiting insects needs to be considered too. 51 …”

“…Unfortunately, the pollinators of Amorphophallus species are largely unknown, making it impossible to investigate this putative relationship on a larger scale. 51 Insect pollinators or visitors have been reported for little more than 20 Amorphophallus species and roughly a third of these observations rely on a single inflorescence per species. 51 Moreover, most observations suggest an unspecialized plant-pollinator interaction or at least the attraction of a multitude of different insects or other arthropods.…”

“… 51 Insect pollinators or visitors have been reported for little more than 20 Amorphophallus species and roughly a third of these observations rely on a single inflorescence per species. 51 Moreover, most observations suggest an unspecialized plant-pollinator interaction or at least the attraction of a multitude of different insects or other arthropods. 51 Nonetheless, beetles appear to be the main pollinator group in most investigated species.…”

“… 51 Moreover, most observations suggest an unspecialized plant-pollinator interaction or at least the attraction of a multitude of different insects or other arthropods. 51 Nonetheless, beetles appear to be the main pollinator group in most investigated species. 51 , 52…”

“… 51 Nonetheless, beetles appear to be the main pollinator group in most investigated species. 51 , 52…”