Pollination of Two Species of Dalechampia (Euphorbiaceae) in Mexico by Euglossine Bees

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Abstract
The large genus Dalechampia, including over 100 spp. of great vegetative diversity, has a basically uniform pseudanthial inflorescence. Investigation of 2 sympatric species in Mexico showed considerable divergence in pollination adaptations. In D. spathulata, male euglossine bees are attracted by and collect aromatic substances secreted by the extra-floral gland of the inflorescences. In D. magnistipulata, female euglossine bees are attracted by and collect sticky resins secreted by the homologous gland. A new genus and family are added to the list of plant taxa exhibiting the male euglossine pollination syndrome which has been well documented in tropical orchids. A unique mode of pollinator attraction by resin production which has been reported from only 1 other plant genus is discussed. [Euglossa viridissima, Euplusia surinamensis, Trigona sp., Hypanthidium melanopterum, Eulaema polychroma, E. luteola, E. cingulata, T. fulviventris and Ceratina sp. are the plant pollinators.].

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