Flora最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the montane endemic plant species to the southern Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, a crucial mosaic for conservation in southeastern Brazil","authors":"Leonardo Dias Meireles ,&nbsp;Letícia A.E. Barbosa ,&nbsp;Matheus Colli-Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152769","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152769","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Montane environments are renowned for their exceptional biodiversity and high levels of endemism, yet significant gaps remain in understanding these ecosystems. The Serra da Mantiqueira mountains in southeastern Brazil represent a critical region within the Atlantic Forest for conservation, hosting numerous endemic and threatened plant species. This study provides a synthesis of biodiversity data for the region, focusing on the distribution of endemic terrestrial plant species and the conservation importance of different vegetation types. Using an expert-curated dataset, we identified 87 endemic species to the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, predominantly flowering plants, with Asteraceae being the most species-rich family. High-altitude grasslands and montane forests emerged as areas bearing more threatened species, with the Itatiaia Plateau exhibiting the highest levels of species richness. Alarmingly, 20 vascular plant species have not been recorded in the past 50 years, suggesting potential rarity, data deficiencies, or shifts in distribution. Preliminary conservation assessments reveal significant data gaps, with most species classified as Data Deficient, hindering effective risk evaluations. Our findings underscore the ecological importance of the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains and highlight the need for targeted conservation actions, including enhanced field surveys and improved biodiversity data accessibility. This study brings critical insights to inform conservation strategies for one of Brazil’s most ecologically significant montane ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 152769"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional characteristics of leaves of the calcicole Gypsophila volgensis change along a geographic gradient","authors":"Elena Bogdanova,&nbsp;Nelly Sablina,&nbsp;Vladimir Vasjukov,&nbsp;Olga Rozentsvet","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152787","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152787","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Gypsophila volgensis</em> Krasnova (Caryophyllaceae) is a representative of the calcicolous flora endemic to the Middle and Lower Volga regions of Russia and occurs between latitudes 49° and 54° N. The growing conditions of the species differ in the content of calcium salts in the soil, the supply of mineral elements and moisture, temperature, sunshine hours, and precipitation. The aim of this work was to study the changes in the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of the leaves of <em>G. volgensis</em> under changing ecological conditions between latitudes 49° and 54° N. The data obtained showed that temperature, number of sunshine hours, HCO₃^–, and soil acidity influenced changes in plant leaf properties and were positively associated with leaf mass per unit area, malondialdehyde, and water-soluble phenolics. At the same time, temperature and light conditions were negatively related to leaf area and the concentrations of chlorophylls, membrane proteins, sugars, and lipids, while edaphic factors such as Ca²⁺ and SO₄^2– were positively associated with these parameters. Precipitation affected such leaf parameters as water-soluble proteins, proline, carotenoids, and glycolipids. The study's findings show how the calcicole <em>G. volgensis</em> can adapt to shifting climatic and local edaphic conditions by altering the morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits of its leaves. If <em>G. volgensis</em> spreads beyond its natural geographic range, the direction of change in the functional characteristics of its leaves can be predicted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 152787"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144481031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Different benefit from clonal integration of stress signal between a stoloniferous alien invasive plant and its congeneric native one","authors":"Jie Deng,&nbsp;Jiao Tian,&nbsp;Cheng-Gang Qiu,&nbsp;Xue-Mei Wang,&nbsp;Jie Jiang,&nbsp;Han-Jun Yang,&nbsp;Yi Dan,&nbsp;Chang-Fan Chen,&nbsp;Su-Juan Duan,&nbsp;Jin-Song Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152799","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152799","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Under heterogeneous resource supply, alien invasive plants with clonal growth can benefit more from clonal integration than their native ones. However, different benefit from translocation of non-resource substance (such as stress signal or hormone) between invasive alien clonal plants and native congener remains poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a pot experiment to explore translocation of stress signal, induced by local exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) application, within clonal networks of alien invasive plant <em>Wedelia trilobata</em> and native congeners <em>W. chinensis</em> subjected to drought stress (20 % soil moisture). In <em>W. trilobata</em>, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (<em>F_v/F_m</em>, ΦPSII and qP) and photosynthetic parameters (<em>P_n</em> and <em>G_s</em>) of young ramets significantly increased 2–3 days after ABA application to old ramets. In contrast, <em>W. chinensis</em> exhibited a delayed response, with a significant increase in <em>F_v/F_m</em> of young ramets observed only after 3 days, and increases in <em>P_n</em> and <em>G_s</em> delayed until 17 days. A similar temporal difference was observed when ABA was applied to young ramets; chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters in old ramets of <em>W. trilobata</em> responded more rapidly than those in <em>W. chinensis</em>. At the end of experiment, exogenous ABA application significantly promoted biomass accumulation in alien invasive plant <em>W. trilobata</em>, but had no significant effect on the <em>W. chinensis</em>. It is suggested that translocation of stress signal may improve growth performance more in invasive alien clonal plant than its native congeners. Consequently, translocation of stress signal may confer a competitive advantage to invasive alien clonal plants over native plants, further contributing to its invasiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 152799"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144687148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The significance of reproduction-related traits for wet meadow species survival in a fragmented landscape","authors":"Antigoni Sounapoglou ,&nbsp;Štěpán Janeček ,&nbsp;Michael Bartoš ,&nbsp;Eliška Chmelová ,&nbsp;Sylvain Delabye ,&nbsp;Jan Horník ,&nbsp;Jana Jersáková ,&nbsp;Šárka Jiráská ,&nbsp;Yannick Klomberg ,&nbsp;Vincent Maicher ,&nbsp;Robert Tropek ,&nbsp;Petra Janečková","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152771","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152771","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Habitat fragmentation refers to the breaking of continuous habitats into multiple isolated patches, which can result in smaller populations of plant species. The response of individual species to fragmentation can be largely determined by specific plant reproductive traits including traits related to pollination. To reveal the role of these plant traits for plant survival in fragmented landscapes, we targeted European grasslands, the most fragmented biome in the world. We explored whether plants of wet meadows are affected by the degree of connectivity between patches and, if so, which reproductive traits are responsible for their success. More particularly, we constructed a trait suite for 39 wet meadow species encompassing 15 traits related to reproduction and pollination. Six traits were revealed as important predictors, which in decreasing order of importance were: flowering duration, floral colour, flower’s reward accessibility, clonality, nectar guides presence, and plant’s specialisation to particular number of pollinator functional groups. Species found to be more successful were characterised mainly by increased flowering durations, displayed certain floral colours (e.g. UV - yellow bright), had easily accessible rewards, were highly clonal, did not hold nectar guides and were visited by many pollinator groups. Our results revealed that the most successful species presented altogether broader ecological niches. We highlight the importance of examining poorly studied floral traits alongside related ecological processes to understand better the factors driving species' success in fragmented habitats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 152771"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144212811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The magnitude of ecosystem engineering effect of cushion plant Onobrychis cornuta is strongly affected by elevation","authors":"Reza Erfanzadeh ,&nbsp;Foruzan Fazelinezhad Delfan ,&nbsp;Samad Jamali ,&nbsp;Péter Török","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152779","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152779","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cushion plants have been widely documented as ecosystem engineers by protecting the soil seed bank (SSB), enriching soil nutrients, and enhancing soil microorganism activity, including microbial respiration and enzymatic activity. However, the positive effect of cushion plants on the soil fertility and seed banks may vary along elevational gradients due to increasing environmental harshness, such as lower temperatures and reduced precipitation at higher altitudes. <em>Onobrychis cornuta</em> L. is among the most widely distributed cushions in the subalpine zone of mountainous areas from West and Central Asia to Caucasus and Pakistan. We assessed potential facilitative effects of this cushion plant on the SSBs, chemical and biological parameters at three elevational ranges (low: 2400–2650 m a.s.l., intermediate: 2650–2900 m a.s.l. and high: 2900–3150 m a.s.l.). Within each elevational range, twenty <em>O. cornuta</em> cushions were selected, and soil samples were collected at a 5 cm depth, both beneath and adjacent to each cushion, for SSB, chemical and biological analyses. Seed germination method was used for SSB evaluation. We found that, in general, the cushion plant had a positive effect on both SSB density and nutrient availability, with greater SSB density, higher substrate-induced respiration, and increased organic carbon, urease, and moisture content under cushion plants compared to surrounding areas. However, the magnitude of cushion effect on the soil organic carbon, microbial respiration and enzymatic activity increased with elevation while higher density of SSBs under the cushion was observed only at the lowest elevation (2400–2650 m a.s.l.). Our findings show that the magnitude of effect of cushion plants on SSB density and fertility parameters in subalpine areas is strongly dependent on altitude.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 152779"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144262711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Iron histolocalization in Amazon canga plants reveals phylogeny-driven adaptation strategies","authors":"Joana Patrícia Pantoja Serrão Filgueira,&nbsp;Daniela Boanares,&nbsp;Silvio Junio Ramos,&nbsp;Markus Gastauer,&nbsp;Cecílio Frois Caldeira","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152794","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152794","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Iron (Fe) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development; however, it can become toxic when present in excess in the plant tissues. This study examines the iron-regulating mechanisms in six species (three monocots and three eudicots) from three distinct canga physiognomies – open canga, grasslands, and shrublands – located in the iron-rich ecosystems of Serra dos Carajás, eastern Amazon (Brazil). Using histochemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we examined iron absorption, translocation, and accumulation in root and leaf tissues. Our findings revealed phylogenetically driven strategies, with distinct responses between monocots and eudicots. In monocots, such as <em>Axonopus carajasensis</em>, iron exclusion was facilitated by iron plaque formation and a robust endodermis, while iron was accumulated in bundle sheath cells of leaves to prevent toxicity. Conversely, eudicots like <em>Mimosa acutistipula</em> accumulated iron in mesophyll cells, with phenolic compounds aiding in chelation and oxidative stress mitigation. Trichomes on the adaxial surfaces of <em>Paspalum cangarum</em> and <em>Brasilianthus carajensis</em> appeared to trap iron, potentially shielding the stomata from clogging. Furthermore, the formation of aerenchyma in monocot roots improved oxygen transport and facilitated iron plaque formation in waterlogged conditions. These distinct phylogenetic responses may contribute to the coexistence of plant species from different evolutionary lineages across the environmental gradients of canga. These adaptive strategies highlight the ecological success of canga species in iron-rich environments, allowing them to thrive in extreme conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 152794"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144548432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changes in xylem architecture modulate physiological responses in coexisting tropical dry forest plants under salinity","authors":"Angela Lucena Nascimento de Jesus ,&nbsp;Cintia Amando ,&nbsp;Luiz Filipe dos Santos Silva ,&nbsp;Maria Marceliane da Silva ,&nbsp;Hugo Rafael Bentzen Santos ,&nbsp;Maria Medeiros ,&nbsp;Luciana Sandra Bastos de Souza ,&nbsp;Adriano do Nascimento Simões ,&nbsp;Eduardo Soares de Souza ,&nbsp;André Luiz Alves de Lima","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152790","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152790","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant mortality under increasing abiotic stress is associated with xylem vulnerability and the ability to adjust hydraulic mechanisms. Understanding these processes in saline environments can reveal the future survival dynamics of coexisting species. This study investigated how adjustments in the xylem traits of different functional plant groups from the Caatinga dry forest influence adaptation under saline conditions. Deciduous species with high wood density (HWD) and low wood density (LWD) were analyzed. The plants were subjected to different electrical conductivities: 0.15 (control), 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 dS m⁻¹ for 90 days in a nursery (70 % shading) under a completely randomized design (CRD). The following parameters were evaluated: stomatal conductance (<em>gs</em>), xylem water potential (Ψ_xylem), Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in leaf, stem, and root, leaf number, xylem anatomical characteristics, potential hydraulic conductivity (Kp), and the xylem vulnerability index of the stem and root. Data were analyzed using polynomial regression and Tukey’s test (<em>P</em> = 5 %). The HWD group showed higher xylem trait resistance values, higher <em>gs</em> (298 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹), leaf drop with a higher Na⁺/K⁺ ratio (1.1–1.9) at the highest level of EC, stomatal density (by 31.2 %), and leaf renewal. The LWD group exhibited a more significant reduction in xylem vessel lumen diameter (60 %), vulnerability index (90 %), and Kp (80 %) with salinity, higher Ψ_xylem (by ca. -1 MPa), and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in the root (ca. 160 %). HWD species showed resistance, with physiological stability and slight anatomical adjustment, while LWD species adjusted the xylem more to cope with salinity. Future studies should explore the limits of these adjustments in different environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 152790"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144502193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional trait variability and adaptive strategies of Genus Carex along the elevation gradients","authors":"Muhammad Waheed ,&nbsp;Fahim Arshad ,&nbsp;Muhammad Manzoor ,&nbsp;Syed Waseem Gillani ,&nbsp;Abeer Al-Andal ,&nbsp;Kaniz Fatima","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152802","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152802","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the variability of plant functional traits along environmental gradients is essential for assessing vegetation-environment interactions. The genus <em>Carex</em>, a dominant component of temperate ecosystems, exhibits diverse ecological adaptations across elevation gradients. This study investigates the composition, functional trait variations, and adaptive strategies of <em>Carex</em> species along an elevational gradient in the Western Himalayas. We hypothesized that elevational gradients influence species composition and functional traits, thereby shaping adaptive strategies. We conducted field surveys across three elevation ranges (500–1000 m, 1100–1500 m, and 1600–2000 m), recording <em>Carex</em> species distribution and measuring key functional traits. CSR strategies were evaluated to determine ecological adaptation trends. Results revealed 24 <em>Carex</em> species with the highest richness at mid-elevations. Functional trait variations demonstrated significant ecological differentiation, with species at lower elevations exhibiting competitive traits, whereas stress tolerance increased at higher altitudes. Results indicated that plant dry weight and number of rhizomes were major drivers of trait differentiation. CSR analysis revealed a shift from competitive strategies at lower elevations to stress-tolerant strategies at higher elevations, reflecting resource availability and abiotic constraints. These findings highlight the ecological adaptability of <em>Carex</em> species and the role of elevation in shaping plant functional traits. The study provides critical understanding of plant adaptation mechanisms, aiding conservation efforts in the Western Himalayas under changing environmental conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 152802"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144611641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gas exchange and antioxidant metabolism of Cedrela fissilis Vell. seedlings under varying water and light availability","authors":"Juliana Milene Silverio,&nbsp;Silvana de Paula Quintão Scalon,&nbsp;Cleberton Correia Santos,&nbsp;Anderson dos Santos Dias,&nbsp;Diego Pereira,&nbsp;Rian Alex Lopes Janse,&nbsp;João Paulo de Castro Souza,&nbsp;Luis Guilherme Rodrigues Macedo","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152793","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152793","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Determining the interactive effects between different light and water availability on the ecophysiological responses of seedlings of native tree species is essential to ensure greater success in the management and production of vigorous seedlings. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the photosynthetic and protective metabolism and the vitality of seedlings of <em>Cedrella fissilis</em> grown under different water and light availability. Seedlings were subjected to three shading levels – SH (0, 30, and 70%) and three water regimes based on the water retention capacity – WRC (40, 70 and 100%) in the substrate, constituting nine cultivation conditions. Assessments took place at 15 and 60 days of combined shading and irrigation treatments. Seedlings of <em>C. fissilis</em> are responsive to extremes of combined water and light availability. Among the cultivation conditions studied, 30% SH 100% WRC mitigated damage to the photosynthetic apparatus and provided higher seedling vigor with increased exposure times. Excess light (0% SH) caused impairment of gas exchange and the photosystem II, affecting seedling vigor Overall, seedlings of <em>C. fissilis</em> in response to different conditions showed variations in superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities and protein and proline contents. Seedlings under full sun and low water availability (0% SH 40% WRC) did not have a high vigor, due to limitations in photosynthetic activity, characterizing a stressful condition. Thus, seedlings of <em>C. fissilis</em> adapt to different cultivation conditions through adjustments in physiology, metabolism, and activation of the antioxidant enzyme system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 152793"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ethological and mechanical isolation promotes pollinator partitioning in sympatric Andean Salvia species","authors":"Lianka Cairampoma ,&nbsp;Juan A. Tello ,&nbsp;Carlos Martel ,&nbsp;Manfred Ayasse ,&nbsp;Regine Claßen-Bockhoff","doi":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152788","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.flora.2025.152788","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plants that co-occur and co-flower may suffer negative fitness consequences through pollinator sharing. However, if they have evolved specific adaptations such as being pollinated by only a subset of the available pollinator spectrum, they may co-exist without losing species integrity. Pollinator partitioning can be achieved by exhibiting specific floral traits, which promote the attraction of certain floral visitors (ethological isolation) and/or by specific flower proportions, which either only fit to part of the possible visitors or contribute to pollinator sharing without pollen mixing (mechanical isolation). In this study, we aimed to identify the floral traits and suite of pollinators associated with the reproductive isolation of three co-occurring and co-flowering <em>Salvia</em> species (<em>S. cruikshanksii, S. tafallae, S. tubiflora</em>) from the high elevation shrubland in the central Peruvian Andes. We investigated flower morphology, spectral reflectance (colour), and scent chemistry, as well as pollinator behaviour and breeding system. <em>Salvia cruikshanksii</em> and S. <em>tafallae</em> are adapted for bee pollination, whereas <em>S. tubiflora</em> is adapted to hummingbirds. Accordingly, all floral traits of <em>S. tubiflora</em> are distinct from those of the other two <em>Salvia</em> species. Although <em>S. cruikshanksii</em> and <em>S. tafallae</em> both attract bees, they do not share a single pollinator species. Reproductive isolation might be predominantly based on species-specific odour bouquets reinforced by visual signals (ethological isolation), and on differences in floral proportions between the <em>Salvia</em> species such as flower tube lengths (mechanical isolation). The three <em>Salvia</em> species demonstrate the significance of diversified floral traits in a species assemblage causing pollinator partitioning and allowing co-existence</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55156,"journal":{"name":"Flora","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 152788"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144548431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}