EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
The European Journal of Environmental Sciences offers a mixture of original peer-reviewed research papers, which bring you some of the most exciting developments in environmental sciences in the broadest sense, often with an inter- or trans-disciplinary perspective, focused on the European problems. The journal also includes critical reviews on topical issues, and overviews of the status of environmental protection in particular regions or countries. The journal covers a broad range of topics, including direct or indirect interactions between abiotic or biotic components of the environment, interactions of environment with human society, or environmental sustainability.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, Vol 13 No 2 (2023), 110–116

Pollination strategies of deceptive orchids – a review

Michaela Steffelová, Iva Traxmandlová, Zuzana Štípková, Pavel Kindlmann

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14712/23361964.2023.12
published online: 17. 12. 2023

abstract

Orchids can be classified in terms of their pollination into rewarding species, which produce nectar in their flowers that serves as a reward for pollinators and deceptive species, whose flowers do not contain nectar and save energy for other purposes. This paper concentrates on the latter. Deceptive orchids attempt to deceive their pollinators by being similar to some non-orchid rewarding species, but not providing a reward. Each of these strategies has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of their effect on future fitness of a plant and/or population and subsequently its survival as a species. In summary, the literature indicates that deceptive strategies may lower reproductive success, but may be compensated for in that they cost less in terms of energy. This should be taken into consideration when developing management strategies for these species, which is often done by non-orchid specialists. This article is intended for such non-specialist audience and includes a description of the main types of deceptive strategies used by orchids, as well as examples of the most typical species.

keywords: deceptive orchids; Orchidaceae; pollination; pollination strategies; reproductive success

Creative Commons License
Pollination strategies of deceptive orchids – a review is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

210 x 297 mm
periodicity: 2 x per year
print price: 150 czk
ISSN: 1805-0174
E-ISSN: 2336-1964

Download