2021/09/16 by Cyrille Claudel · 1 voice · 3 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Plant and animal studies #Plant Parasitism and Resistance #Plant Diversity and Evolution
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s11829-021-09865-x
Abstract The genus Amorphophallus encompasses some 230 species and is one of the largest genera of the Araceae family. Most species release scents, smelling of carrion, faeces, dung and similar nauseating odours for pollinator attraction and are therefore considered to have evolved a deceptive pollination syndrome. Some of the most iconic members of the genus, such as the A . titanum and A . gigas , are considered to be carrion mimics. Copro-necrophagous insects, beetles and flies in particular, are attracted by these scents and are therefore assumed to act as pollinators. However, many reports and observations on Amorphophallus pollinators are anecdotal in nature or do not distinguish between legitimate pollinators and non-pollinating visitors. Moreover, some published observations are not readily accessible as they are many decades old. Therefore, the available data and information about insect visitors and/or pollinators in the genus Amorphophallus is compiled, reviewed and discussed.