POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF STERNBERGIA CLUSIANA (KER-GAWLER) SPRENG (AMARYLLIDANCE).

Sternbergia clusiana is pollinated by two main types of pollinators, Apis mellifera and various Syrphidae. The honey bees collect nectar and pollen from the shorter inner whorl of stamens and from the lowermost part of the funnel-shaped perianth tube. The hover flies visit mainly the appendages on the outer perigone and the longer stamen whorl. These appendages were found to secrete a sugar solution as well as polysaccharides and lipids. The latter probably attract the flies. It is suggested that each pollinator is attracted by a different nectary type and that the modes of pollination prevent competition between the different pollinators and are to be interpreted as maximizing the floral attraction in the harsh season of flowering (September to December). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]