The function of floral orientation in bluebells: interactions with pollinators and rain in two species of <i> Mertensia </i> (Boraginaceae)

Abstract

Aims Important Findings Pollinators are traditionally considered to be the primary agent of Mertensia brevistyla had a significantly more upright floral orienta- selection on floral traits. However, floral traits may also be under tion than M. fusiformis, and seed set was highest in upright M. bre- selection from abiotic agents (e.g. rain), which makes considering vistyla and in horizontal/pendant M. fusiformis stems, supporting an the relative importance of pollinators and abiotic selective agents adaptive function (via female fitness) of the interspecific difference on floral traits essential. The functional significance of floral orien- in orientation. However, floral visitor assemblages did not differ tation is often ascribed to pollinator attraction, but orientation can significantly between the two species; visitors did not exhibit sig- also protect reproductive structures from rain. Therefore, a study nificant preference for either orientation; and pollinator-mediated that incorporates both factors will enhance our understanding of selection on orientation was undetectable. Similarly, there was lit- the ecological roles of floral orientation in plant fitness. Mertensia tle effect of water on seed set in either species, regardless of floral brevistyla and M. fusiformis are herbaceous species that differ in orientation. However, pollen germinability was reduced in both their floral orientations. A series of field and laboratory experi- species by immersion in water; and water was more likely to contact ments was used to investigate the adaptive function of floral orien- anthers in M. fusiformis than in M. brevistyla, due to interspecific tation in these species, particularly with respect to pollinators and differences in floral morphology. We conclude that pollinators are rain. likely not the primary selective agent driving differences in orienta- tion in these Mertensia species. Instead, the negative effect of rain

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