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Floral divergence and convergence in the genusPelargonium (Geraniaceae) in southern Africa: Ecological and evolutionary considerations

Plant Systematics and Evolution volume 208, pages 71–97 (1997)Cite this article

Abstract

Based on field observations and a survey of the available literature, the functional and evolutionary significance of floral characters ofPelargonium is investigated in relation to a recent infrageneric re-classification. Most of the 208Pelargonium taxa (recognized as species, subspecies or varieties) involved show bee and long-proboscid hovering fly pollination syndromes (about 60% and 25%, respectively), only 7% of the taxa are pollinated by butterflies, some 2 to 4% by hawkmoths and presumably 1% by birds. The heterogeneity ofPelargonium in terms of structural blossom types and pollination syndromes indicates an independent and repeated evolution of convergent flower morphs in the genus and even in sections.

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  1. M. Struck

    Present address: Phyllobolic Institute, Gütersloher Strasse 64, D-33428, Harsewinkel, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botany Department, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X5018, 7600, Stellenbosch, South Africa

    M. Struck

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Struck, M. Floral divergence and convergence in the genusPelargonium (Geraniaceae) in southern Africa: Ecological and evolutionary considerations. Pl Syst Evol 208, 71–97 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986083

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986083

Key words

  • Geraniaceae
  • Pelargonium
  • Bees
  • beeflies
  • birds
  • butterflies
  • long-proboscid flies
  • convergence
  • evolution
  • floral ecology
  • pollination
  • pollination guilds
  • pollination syndromes
  • Southern Africa