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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Plant Biologyarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Plant Biology
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
Data sources: Crossref
Plant Biology
Article . 2025
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First record of bat‐pollination in Merremia (Convolvulaceae)

Authors: E. Medina; V. Rosas‐Guerrero; C. Lara; Y. Martínez‐Díaz; E. Cuevas;

First record of bat‐pollination in Merremia (Convolvulaceae)

Abstract

Abstract While insects are the dominant pollinators of angiosperms, vertebrate pollinators such as bats and birds play a crucial role in pollinating plants that require cross‐pollination. Merremia platyphylla (Convolvulaceae) exhibits floral traits typical of bat pollination (i.e., chiropterophily), including white bell‐shaped flowers with crepuscular anthesis and abundant nectar production. These traits suggest that bats are likely the most important pollinators for this species. We investigated the nectar traits, volatile organic compounds, and the pollination and mating system of M. platyphylla to assess whether its floral characteristics align with the chiropterophily syndrome and determine if bats are the most effective pollinator. Although peak nectar production and volatile compounds did not entirely match those expected for bat‐pollinated plants, M. platyphylla was effectively pollinated by bats, followed by diurnal pollinators, likely hummingbirds, but not honeybees, since they did not contribute to fruit production. This study provides the first record of bat pollination and floral volatile compounds not only in the genus Merremia , but also in the entire tribe Merremieae. We discuss whether this species is in a stable mixed pollination state or undergoing a transitional phase toward specialized bat pollination, given its generalized pollination system and the mismatch between some floral traits and those typically seen in chiropterophilous plants.

Keywords

Birds, Volatile Organic Compounds, Plant Nectar, Chiroptera, Animals, Flowers, Pollination, Convolvulaceae

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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