The Macaronesian bird-flowered element as a model system to study the evolution of ornithophilous floral traits

Abstract

The Macaronesian bird-flowered element comprises at least 16 species from eight genera and they have converged, to a certain degree, to a bird pollination syndrome. This paper provides a review and an update regarding the evolution of the bird-flowered element. It also identifies areas where our knowledge of this group is lacking and describes potential avenues for further research within this group. Finally, the characteristics of this birdflowered element are discussed in order to consider them as a model system to study the evolution of the floral traits involved in bird pollination, and the application of this knowledge for conservation purposes.