v5i2.108

ISSN: 1800-427X (print)
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v5i2.108

Submitted date: 15 August 2013
Accepted date: 19 November 2013
Published date: 25 December 2013
Pp. 124–130.

PSYCHOPHILOUS AND MELITTOPHILOUS POLLINATION SYNDROME IN Tridax procumbens L. (ASTERACEAE)

P. Varalakshmi & A.J. Solomon Raju*
*Corresponding author. E-mail: ajsraju@yahoo.com

Abstract
Tridax procumbens exhibits explosive flowering during June–September while sporadic flowering at other times. In the capitula, the florets are of two types, nectarless female ray florets and nectariferous bisexual disc florets. The disc florets are sucrose-dominant with sugar concentrations of 20% and the energy yield is optimal. The nectar contains five essential and ten non-essential amino acids. The capitula attract butterflies, bees, flies and thrips. The butterflies, while collecting nectar, and bees, while collecting nectar and pollen, effect pollination. Thrips use flower buds for breeding and effect pollination while feeding on pollen and nectar. The study suggests that T. procumbens exhibits psychophilous and melittophilous pollination syndrome. The work presented in this paper on plant-butterfly interactions assumes importance in the context of planning for and setting up butterfly parks.

Key words : Medicinal herb, insects, forage, pollinator, entomophily, ligulate, tubular, India

Section Editor: James L. Reveal