Pollination of Orchis Caspia--A Nectarless Plant which Deceives the Pollinators of Nectariferous Species from other Plant Families

Abstract

O. caspia, which produces no nectar and therefore provides no reward for pollination, exploits inconsistency in the behavior of several species of bees (Anthophora sp., Eucera clypeata, E. nigrifacies and Melecta mediterranea), which are the legitimate pollinators of some nectariferous species (Asphodelus microcarpus, Bellevalia flexuosa and Salvia fructicosa). The bees are deceived through their low ability to discriminate O. caspia from the nectariferous species. No specialist modifications of the insect are required for pollination of O. caspia. O. caspia shares pollinators with O. israelitica and this may lead to formation of hybrids between the 2 spp.