Background and Aims In New Zealand epiphytic orchids are represented by four genera and eight species. The genera Marina (three species) and Winika (one species) are the most conspicuous and widespread. These are likely to be some of the southernmost distributed genera of epiphytic orchids in the world.
Methods: To identify the pollination strategies that have evolved in these orchids, hand-pollination treatments were done and oral visitors were observed in several wild populations at two areas of southern North Island (approx. 40°S). Pollen: ovule ratio and semaphores were also studied and the total carbohydrate content of the nectar produced by each species was measured.
Key results: Marina autumnal and Marina mucronata are self-compatible, whereas Marina aestivalis and Winika cunninghamii appear to be partially self-incompatible. All four orchids are incapable of autonomous selfing and therefore completely dependent on pollinators to set fruits. Floral visitors observed in the genus Marina belong to Diptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera and to Diptera and Hymenoptera in W. cunninghamii.
Conclusions: Contrary to many epiphytic orchids in the tropics, the orchid pollinator relationship in these orchids is unspecialized and ¯owers are visited by a wide range of insects. Putative pollinators are flies of the families Bibionidae Calliphoridae, Syrphidae, and Tachinidae. All four orchids display anthological adaptations to a myophilous pollination system such as simple flowers, well-exposed reproductive structures, easily accessed nectar, and high pollen: ovule ratios.
Pollination ecology of four Epiphytic Orchids of New Zealand
Year: 2004
