Reproductive biology and oil flowers in Cipura paludosa (Iridaceae)

Abstract Cipura paludosa is taxonomically placed in the Iridaceae family which is notable for the diversity of pollination systems, offering resources such as nectar, pollen and oil. The study was conducted within a fragment of Atlantic Forest in Recife, Pernambuco, to investigate the floral and reproductive biology of C. paludosa. The floral opening period, stigmatic receptivity, anther dehiscense, number of pollen grains, ovules per flower and floral morphology were evaluated; experiments regarding to the reproductive system and flower visitor observations were performed. Cipura paludosa is a herbaceous plant with melittophilous and self-compatible flowers, visited by Plebeia sp. and Augochlora thalia. The flower resources produced by C. paludosa were pollen and oil (produced in trichomal elaiophores). To ensure reproductive success Cipura paludosa benefits from pollination services since it produces only a few fruits spontaneously. The presence of bees not specialized in oil collecting may result in poor quality pollination services consequently reducing the species reproductive output.