Pollination biology of the Galápagos endemic, Tournefortia rufo-sericea (Boraginaceae)

Abstract

Tournefortia rufo-sericea is an endemic member of the Galápagos angiosperm flora. Although not uncommon within the archipelago, its status is presently listed as vulnerable and, as such, a complete knowledge of its pollination biology may prove useful in preventing its decline. Pollination experiments, flower-visitor observations, nectar and fluorescence studies, as well as pollen:ovule ratio and pollen size studies were included in this investigation. The small, white flowers of this species set fruit via open pollination (81%), autonomous self-pollination (80%), diurnal pollination (80%), and nocturnal pollination (85%). Ants are the most common visitor to the flowers of this species, primarily during the day, whereas beetles and moths make visits at night. A small amount of nectar is presumably produced, as moths are often seen probing the corollas. Experiments with fluorescent dust did not support interflower pollen movement. The pollen:ovule ratio was 4972:1, which suggests xenogamy, and the mean pollen size was 21 μm. Despite the pollen:ovule ratio, it appears that this species exhibits a breeding strategy of facultative autogamy, in which the majority of flowers set fruit via autonomous self-pollination, but limited outcrossing may occur when pollinators are available. Conservation efforts for T. rufo-sericea should focus on the control or eradication of exotic species. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London.