Reproductive biology of Prepusa hookeriana (Gentianaceae): an endangered species of high-altitude grasslands in Brazil

• Published in: Revista brasileira de botânica Vol. 43; no. 2; pp. 379 - 387
• Main Authors: Lemos, Ana Luisa, Moreira, Marina Muniz, Benevides, Cristine Rodrigues, Miranda, Amanda Soares, Rodarte, Ana Tereza Araújo, de Lima, Heloisa Alves
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-06-2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Altitude; Animal reproduction; Biology; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Botany; Breeding; Breeding success; Cross-pollination; Endangered & extinct species; Endangered species; Gentianaceae; Grasslands; High altitude; Life Sciences; Original Article; Plant reproduction; Plant Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography; Pollen; Pollination; Pollinators; Prepusa hookeriana; Protandry; Reproduction; Wildlife conservation; Brazil; Delayed self-pollination; Autogamy; Movement herkogamy; Protandrous dichogamy
• ISSN: 0100-8404; 1806-9959
• DOI: 10.1007/s40415-020-00611-w

The genus
Prepusa
Martius is endemic to montane regions of Brazil and comprises only six species, most of them endangered. Although studies on reproductive biology are necessary to increase knowledge of this genus and to implement conservation plans, to date, no such studies have been conducted. This study assessed the floral biology, breeding system, and pollinators of
Prepusa hookeriana
, an endangered species of high-altitude grasslands. We perform field observations and manual pollination experiments. Certain floral traits of this species appear to be associated with hummingbird pollination, although ornithophily is unusual in Gentianaceae. Even though cross-pollination is favoured by the presence of movement herkogamy and protandry, both prior and delayed autonomous self-pollination were observed. The only pollinator observed was the hummingbird
Amazilia versicolor
.
Prepusa hookeriana
did not show pollen limitation in the year of study. The absence of pollen limitation is related to the high reproductive success of pollination due to visits, not to autonomous self-pollination. However, we share the idea that the ability of autonomous selfing can provide a backup to cope with occasional pollination failures.