Floral traits and functional role of whorls in pollinator attraction of Magnolia grandiflora L

• Published in: Folia oecologica Vol. 51; no. 2; pp. 263 - 274
• Main Authors: Sukumaran, Arun, Khanduri, Vinod Prasad, Gairola, Sumeet, Sharma, Chandra Mohan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 01.07.2024
• Subjects: dianthesis; floral traits; pollination; protogyny; SEM; VOCs
• ISSN: 1338-7014; 1338-7014
• DOI: 10.2478/foecol-2024-0024

Species within the primitive genus may often produce specialized floral traits and behaviour to grab the attention of potential pollinators from their surroundings. These reproductive traits in plants undergo various selection pressures and frequently bring forth variations to adapt to the new habitat that may result in speciation. We have aimed to understand the floral traits, the functional role of floral parts, and the variable response of visitors in belonging to an ancient order Magnoliales. Our observations reveal that the floral traits of resemble those of basal angiosperms, conforming to the primitive existence of the genus . The inconsistency in floral form reflected that has been experiencing various selection pressures from biotic and abiotic factors. Inconsistency in floral equations and diagrams reflect the structural variability in flowers, which can directly impact pollination and reproductive output. SEM images of pollen grains reveal that the pollen grains were monocolpate and boat-shaped in structure. GC-MS analysis showed that VOCs in stigmatic exudation of the flower were largely composed of terpene hydrocarbons such as Perthenine, β-Elemene, β-Caryophyllene, α-Humulene, Bicyclogermacrene, Germacrene A and D, etc. Beyond pollinators attraction, VOCs play a major role in repelling unwanted visitors and in improving the defensive mechanisms in . Beetles, bees, and flies were found to be the active pollinators and the behaviour of bees indicates that bees were trying to replace the role of beetles in pollinating . In summary, floral whorls were diversely functionalized to ensure maximum reproduction in