THE POLLINATION BIOLOGY OF TILIA

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Abstract
An anthecological study ofTiliain the Great Plains and New England was undertaken for both native and introduced species. The floral bracts are postulated as being at least as important in pollinator attraction as they are in fruit dispersal. A characteristic sweet odor is always present, but becomes stronger at dusk. Flowers are protandrous with anthers opening for the first time late in the afternoon and releasing pollen abundantly for about 24 hr. Initial nectar production coincides with stigma receptivity which begins late in the afternoon, but on the second day a flower is open. Sixty‐six species of insects in 29 families were collected. Bees and flies are the most common diurnal visitors and moths are the primary nocturnal visitors. Samples of pollen taken from the insects indicate a relatively high constancy. Experimental tests show thatTiliais not apomictic or self compatible. Anemophily plays a secondary role to entomophily in pollination. Nocturnal pollinators are slighly less effective than diurnal pollinators in effecting fruit set. Although nocturnal pollinators are favored by the syndrome of floral characteristics, it is concluded thatTiliais a generalist in regard to pollination. It is proposed that the lack of clear morphological differences betweenTiliaspecies leads to pollinator inconstancy and thus hybridization.
Funding Information
  • University of Connecticut Research Foundation