The pollination of Canavalia virosa by Xylocopid and Magachilid bees

Abstract

The floral morphology of Canavalia virosa (Roxb). Wight Arn. is discussed in relation to pollination by Xylocopa flavorufa De Greer and  Megachile combusta Sm. It was found that the relationship between size of flower and bee influenced the type of pollinating strategy and its success. Bees smaller than M. combusta proved ineffective pollinators.