Pollination ecology ofCaryocar brasiliense(Caryocaraceae) in Central Brazil cerrado vegetation

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Abstract
The floral biology, breeding system and pollination ofCaryocar brasiliensewere studied in the cerrado vegetation of Central Brazil. The large, yellowish-cream, brush-like flowers are pollinated mainly by glossophagine bats (Glossophaga soricinaandAnoura geoffroyi). Three non-glossophagine bats (Phyllostomus discolor, Vampyrops lineatusandCarollia perspicillata) and two short probosisced hawk moths (Erinyis elloandPseudosphinx tetrio) may also act as occasional pollinators.Caryocar brasilienseis self-compatible although it sets significantly more fruits when crossed than when selfed. The natural fruit set (fruit/flower ratio) and seed set (seed/ovule ratio) are 3.1% and 1.0% respectively. Most of the fruits and seeds are formed through the action of the flower visitors, despite the fact that about 20% of the non-visited flowers receive self pollen on at least one stigma.