Nectar production in the boreal forest lily Clintonia borealis

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Abstract
Nectar secretion in unpollinated flowers of Clintonia borealis (Ait) Raf. (Liliaceae) began as the tepals first opened, reached a maximum at about the time the anthers dehisced, and ceased after the tepals began to curl back. Total lifetime sugar production was highly correlated with flower size and was not affected by daily nectar removals. Nectar concentration varied widely as a response to fluctuations in atmospheric relative humidity. It is suggested that since freshly secreted Clintonia nectar ranged in concentration from 4 to 63% sugar by weight, comparisons of nectar concentration among different species may not be meaningful unless accompanied by environmental data at and prior to the time of sampling.