Abstract Detail

Tropical Biology Section

Abdul-Salim, K. [2], Andriantiana, J. [1].

Reproductive biology of Symphonia (Clusiaceae) in Madagascar.

The genus Symphonia (Clusiaceae) consists of 23 currently accepted species, 21 endemic to Madagascar, one ( S. globulifera) widespread in tropical Africa and the Americas, and one (S. tepuiensis) restricted to the Guayana highlands of Venezuela. Prior studies of neotropical S. globulifera by Pascarella (1992), Bittrich (1992), and Gill (1998) indicate pollination by Lepidoptera, hummingbirds, and perching birds respectively, although specific mechanisms were not proposed. As Madagascar is the center of diversity for the genus, it is useful to contrast reproductive processes of neotropical S. globulifera with those of Madagascan species. Field observations of the flowers of study species S. clusioides and S. microphylla in Madagascar suggest a generalist pollination syndrome. In an experiment involving selective exclusion of pollinators from inflorescences, we found that that individuals with flowers larger than 1 cm are predominantly bird-pollinated (e.g. by the sunbirds Nectarinia notata notata and Foudia madagascariensis), while those with smaller flowers (e. g. less than 0.8 cm) are mainly pollinated by insects (ca 12 species observed). In an examination of breeding systems, we found that flowers are protandrous, and are both outcrossing and self-compatible. There is also evidence of asexual reproduction, either vegetatively by runners, and possibly via agamospermous apomixis.

1 - Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, B. P. 4096, Antananarivo 101, , Madagascar
2 - New York Botanical Garden, Cullman Program for Molecular Systematics Studies, 200th Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard, Bronx, New York, 10458, USA

Keywords:
Clusiaceae
Symphonia
reproductive biology
pollination
breeding system.

Presentation Type: Paper
Session: 8-6
Location: Peruvian (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2004
Time: 10:00 AM
Abstract ID:785