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Rodent pollination of Blakea (Melastomataceae) in a Costa Rican cloud forest

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Abstract

Several species of rodents have been observed visiting the flowers of an undescribed species ofBlakea (Melastomataceae) in a cloud forest in Costa Rica. The rodents drink the copious nectar secreted at the base of the stamens and are dusted with pollen. The first report of pollination by non-flying mammals in the neotropics suggests that this type of pollination may be important where there is little competition with bats.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The New York Botanical Garden, 10458, Bronx, NY

    Cecile Lumer

Authors
  1. Cecile Lumer
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Lumer, C. Rodent pollination of Blakea (Melastomataceae) in a Costa Rican cloud forest. Brittonia 32, 512–517 (1980). https://doi.org/10.2307/2806163

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/2806163

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