Abstract
In the flowers ofApios americana the vexillum remains ± in its bud position. In this way, a dark cavity is formed displaying a bright window at its base. Insect visitors are attracted to the hidden inflorescences by scent. In their attempt to reach the window they trigger an explosive release of stigma and pollen. Stigmatic fluid glues pollen to the visitor. All characters of the flower fit well into the myiophilous syndrome and thus flies are expected to be the proper pollinators.Apios americana seems to be the only myiophilous exception within the predominantly melittophilousFabaceae.
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Deceased 27. 12. 1980 at the age of 72 (Haupt 1983). In his assets, an unpublished manuscript (6 pp., 21 figs.) entitled “Bemerkungen über die Blüte vonApios tuberosa Mnch.” was found and passed on to the present author by Prof. DrW. Barthlott, Bonn
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Westerkamp, C., Paul, H. Apios americana, a fly-pollinated papilionaceous flower?. Pl Syst Evol 187, 135–144 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00994096
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00994096