Size matters: understanding the conflict faced by large flowers in Mediterranean environments

Flower size is a key trait in the reproductive ecology of animal-pollinated plants. However, pollinator-mediated selection does not always modulate this trait and environmental conditions and/or antagonist interactions may favor smaller flowers. We evaluate the occurrence of a large-flowered family in a hot and dry Mediterranean environment, mediated by a cost-benefit balance and a male-female conflict. Large flowers have sizeable benefits in terms of pollination and reproductive success and pollinators mediate selection through male function, but female fitness is context-dependent. High floral production and maintenance costs and florivore incidence in large flowers limit female function, which counteracts pollinator-mediated selection. Large flowers are highly costly in the Mediterranean and flower size is mediated by a sexual conflict between the benefits of male function and the costs of the female one. However, a short floral longevity, occasional pollen limitation and selection through maleness keep the existence of large flowers in these environments. Keywords Cistaceae * Floral costs * Flower size * Pollinators * Male fitness * Female fitness
Introduction Animal-pollinated plants include a large diversity of flowers, varying in color spectrum, shape and design, scent, longevity, size and display. Historically, numerous botanists and evolutionary biologists have greatly been [...]