ISHS Acta Horticulturae 437: VII International Symposium on Pollination
FLOWERS AND BEES ARE COMPETITORS - NOT PARTNERS. TOWARDS A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF COMPLEXITY IN SPECIALISED BEE FLOWERS |
| Author: | C. Westerkamp |
| Keywords: | Apoidea, foraging, pollen, pollination |
| Abstract:
Pollen is essential for reproduction for both flowers and bees. Since the number of pollen grains per flower is limited, both compete for the same resource. Specialized bee flowers thus face the dilemma of how to restrict access to pollen while simultaneously fostering their indispensable pollinators. Highly specialized bee flowers are mechanically complex and their manipulation by bees requires a certain strength and a concerted movement of numerous bee organs. A small dose of pollen is then released which slightly contaminates the visitor, often on a concealed part of the body. Access to these flowers thus is restricted to a guild of specialized and faithful pollinators. | |
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