Reproductive biology, floral morphology and pollinator assemblages
divergence in the columnar cacti complex Echinopsis chiloensis
(Colla) Friedrich & G.D.Rowley (Cactaceae)
Abstract
The genus Echinopsis comprises a polyphyletic group of columnar cacti
with hermaphrodite, actinomorphic flowers, displaying diverse floral
phenotypes and attracting a varied flower visitors. In Chile, the genus
includes seven taxa, notably the Echinopsis chiloensis complex
with three sub-species: E. c. chiloensis, E. c. litoralis,
and E.c. skottsbergii. In this work, evaluated different
reproductive traits that could be accounting for restrictions in gene
flow between the different subspecies of the complex, as reproductive
biology, floral visitors, floral morphology, nectar production and
pollen limitation, including the specie E. bolligeriana,
previously part of the complex. Results indicate all species are
self-incompatible with diurnal anthesis, except for southern E.c.
chiloensis populations (here E.c. australis). Only, detected
small morphological differences distinguish between E. c.
litoralis and E. bolligeriana, despite which, the
pollinator assemblages presented diferences on the identity of
pollinators and visit frequencies , displaying highs modularity between
subspecies. Nectar sugar production and concentration remain constant
throughout flower opening, except for E. c. litoralis, which
produces nectar only in the morning, despite hosting a diverse
pollinator assemblage with significant dipteran presence. Distinctions
in morphological characters, nectar production, and pollinator
assemblages account part for the persistence of subspecies differences,
and potentially play a vital role in subspecies genetic isolation