Abstract
The morphologically diverse flowers in the genusSatyrium reflect adaptations to a wide range of pollinators. Several recently discovered pollination systems inSatyrium are described and illustrated here; these include pollination by solitary bees, carrion flies, butterflies and moths. Two basic types of floral mechanism are recognised inSatyrium: (1) Species pollinated by lepidoptera and birds have long floral spurs and plate-like viscidia seated in lateral rostellum notches; these viscidia become attached to the proboscis or bill of the pollinator. (2) Species pollinated by flies and bees have relatively short floral spurs and globose viscidia seated in terminal rostellum notches; these viscidia become attached to the face, thorax or eyes of the pollinator.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Barraclough, D. A., Londt, J. G. H., 1985:Diptera. — InScholtz, C. H., Holm, E., (Eds): Insects of southern Africa, pp. 283–320. — Durban: Butterworths.
Brantjes, N. B. M., Bos, J. J., 1980: Hawkmoth behaviour and flower adaptation reducing self pollination in twoLiliiflorae. — New Phytol.84: 139–143.
Darwin, C. H., 1862: On the various contrivances by which British and foreign orchids are fertilized by insects. 2nd edn. — London: Murray.
Dressler, R. L., 1993: Phylogeny and classification of the orchid family. — Portland: Dioscorides.
Garside, S., 1922: The pollination ofSatyrium bicallosum Thunb. — Ann. Bolus Herb.2: 149–152.
Hall, A. V., 1982: A revision of the southern African species ofSatyrium. — Contr. Bolus Herb.10: 1–142.
Johnson, S. D., 1996a: Pollination, adaptation and speciation models in the Cape flora of South Africa. — Taxon45: 59–66.
—, 1996b: Bird pollination in South African species ofSatyrium (Orchidaceae). — Pl. Syst. Evol.203: 91–98.
- 1997: Pollination ecotypes ofSatyrium hallackii (Orchidaceae) in South Africa. — Bot. J. Linn. Soc. (in press).
Kurzweil, H., 1995: Floral morphology and ontogeny in subtribeSatyriinae (fam.Orchidaceae). — Flora190: 1–20.
Linder, H. P., 1986: Notes on the phylogeny of theOrchidoideae, with particular reference to theDiseae. — Lindleyana1: 51–64
Marloth, R., 1915: The flora of South Africa.4. Monocotyledons. — London: Bros.
Nilsson, L. A., 1992: Orchid pollination biology. — Trends Ecol. Evol.7: 255–259.
—, 1992: Long pollinia on eyes: hawk-moth pollination ofCynorkis uniflora Lindley (Orchidaceae) in Madagascar. — Bot. J. Linn. Soc.109: 145–160.
Rebelo, A. G., 1987: Sunbird feeding atSatyrium odorum Sond. flowers. — Ostrich58: 185–186.
Stebbins, G. L., 1984: Mosaic evolution, mosaic selection and angiosperm phylogeny. — Bot. J. Linn. Soc.88: 149–164.
Stewart, J., Linder, H. P., Schelpe, E. A., Hall, A. V., 1982: Wild orchids of southern Africa. — Johannesburg: Macmillan.
van Der Pijl, L., Dodson, C. H., 1966: Orchid flowers: their pollination and evolution. — Coral Gables: University of Miami Press.
Vogel, S., 1954: Blütenbiologische Typen als Elemente der Sippengliederung. — Bot. Stud.1: 1–337.
—, 1959: Organographie der Blüten kapländischer Ophrydeen. — Akad. Wiss. Mainz, Abh. Math.-Naturwiss. Kl.6–7: 1–268.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Johnson, S.D. Insect pollination and floral mechanisms in South African species ofSatyrium (Orchidaceae). Pl Syst Evol 204, 195–206 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00989205
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00989205