Endangered plant conservation: Do pollinators matter to the robust spineflower?

摘要

Pollinators can be crucial to reproductive success and long-term survival of endangered plant species. As is the case for many endangered plants, no pollination studies have been conducted for the robust spineflower ( Chorizanthe robusta var. robusta), a federally endangered annual plant endemic to the central coast of California. This study of two robust spineflower populations evaluates pollinator importance, frequency, and habitat needs through extensive observation and experimental bagging of inflorescences. It also correlates pollinator visitation frequency with environmental conditions.;Research results indicate that although C. robusta var. robusta is self-compatible, pollinator access to flowers increased seed set significantly, indicating that pollinators increase plant fitness. Pollinator visitation rates varied within sites and between sites, and correlated with environmental conditions. The observed high diversity of pollinators may allow for visitation within different microhabitats. Results suggest that protecting pollinator habitat and diversity may be important to the survival of this taxon.