Neither nectar nor deception: the role of floral rewards in the pollination system of Laelia (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae)

Abstract

Orchids offer a variety of floral rewards to pollinators. In many orchid groups, however, the transfer of pollen is based on food-deception, as in the case of Laelia (including Schomburgkia s.s.), a genus assigned to the Neotropical subtribe Laeliinae. Here, we report on the reproductive biology of a Brazilian member of this subtribe, namely, Laelia gloriosa, occurring in the forested areas of southeastern Brazil. The study includes analyses of floral morphology, histochemistry, and the chemical analysis of floral rewards and scents. Pollinators and pollination mechanism data were collected in the field by means of focal observations. Analyses of breeding systems and the percentage of potentially viable seed were also recorded. The floral morphology of Laelia gloriosa indicates that this species is melittophilous. The flowers release a citrus-like fragrance that attracts many species of bee. The flowers offer waxy material as a reward, and this is collected exclusively by Meliponini bees. Several bee species visit the flowers. However, those of L. gloriosa are pollinated exclusively by Trigona spinipes. Pollinaria are deposited on the bee’s scutellum. Plants of the studied population were entirely self-compatible, but pollinator-dependent. The frequency of visits to these flowers was greater than in rewardless Laeliinae. Our study provides the first evidence of lipoidal substances as a resource in Laeliinae. The discovery that an orchid species (Laelia gloriosa) of this subtribe, hitherto considered to be entirely pollinated by nectar-seeking pollinators, offers a floral waxy material and provides new insights into the evolution of this important subtribe.