Invader-pollinator paradox: invasive goldenrods benefit from large size pollinators

Aim: Mutualistic interactions between alien plants and native pollinators are needed to enable plant invasions. Although the increasing abundance of invasive plants in a habitat causes a dramatic decline of native pollinators, pollination services received by invaders are often sustained. This invader-pollinator paradox might be attributed to differences in pollination efficiency and varying vulnerability to invasion among pollinators with different life-history traits. In an experimental study, we explored the relationships between pollinator body size, pollination efficiency and abundance of invasive species.

Methods: We placed a pair of potted invasive goldenrods (Solidago gigantea) at 25 sites differing in goldenrod abundance (cover: 0–100 %). Floral visitation rate of the potted goldenrods, as well as seed set and viability, were noted.

Location: Kraków area, Poland.

Results: Species richness of pollinators visiting inflorescences decreased with the increase of the goldenr...