Specialized bird perch aids cross-pollination
Article Abstract:
The curious sterile inflorescence axis of the South-African Cape endemic 'rat's tail' plant, whose function is exclusively to provide a perch for foraging birds is investigated. The findings indicate that this structure promotes plant's mating a success where the malachite sunbird (Nectarinia famosa) its pollinator to adopt a position ideal for the cross pollination of ground level flowers.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2005
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Mating cost of large floral displays in hemaphrodite plants
Article Abstract:
A study of daily inflorescences in hermaphrodite plants reveals that an increase in inflorescence size causes low outcrossing and greater selfing in these plants. Self-pollination through geitonogamy reduces the extent of pollen discounting and lowers the rate of outcrossing. This causes a decrease in mating in large flowered plants.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Successful invasion of a floral market
Article Abstract:
Researchers have proved that invasive plants not only compete with native species for water, light, space and nutrients, but they also tempt attract more pollinators with their rich nectar. The Asian plant Impatiens glandulifera is used as an example.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
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