How to translate text using browser tools
1 June 2010 Pollination and Seed Dispersal in the Endangered Succulent Euphorbia brevitorta
Dino J. Martins
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The dwarf succulent euphorbia Euphorbia brevitorta (Euphorbiaceae) is a localized and potentially threatened endemic species with limited distributed across rocky grasslands in central and southern Kenya. The pollination ecology and seed dispersal of E. brevitorta was investigated by direct observation. Euphorbia brevitorta relies on pollinators for fruit-set as it bears separate male and female flowers on the same plant, but appears to be self-compatible. Euphorbia brevitorta was found to have a generalist pollination system, with insects being the main pollinators. Pollinators of E. brevitorta comprise a wide range of insects from three different orders: true flies (Diptera), ants, bees and wasps (Hymenoptera) and beetles (Coleoptera). Flies, wasps and honeybees were found to be the most efficient transporters of pollen between different individual plants and carried the highest volumes of pollen. Observations of pollinators revealed adequate pollination and high visitation rates by pollinators. Seed dispersal was found to occur in two stages: localized dispersal from explosive capsules up to∼2 metres from the plant, followed by limited secondary dispersal by ants further away. Euphorbia brevitorta relies on both pollinators and seed dispersal for adequate recruitment and survival in its natural habitat.

Dino J. Martins "Pollination and Seed Dispersal in the Endangered Succulent Euphorbia brevitorta," Journal of East African Natural History 99(1), 9-17, (1 June 2010). https://doi.org/10.2982/028.099.0104
Published: 1 June 2010
KEYWORDS
Ant-plant interactions
Coleoptera
cyathia
Diptera
Euphorbia
Euphorbiaceae
Hymenoptera
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top