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Notes on Eriotheca longitubulosa (Bombacaceae), a rare, putatively hawkmoth-pollinated species new to the Guianas

Abstract:

Eriotheca longitubulosa is a large, nocturnally flowering tree new to the Guianas. Floral morphology, daily phenological patterns, nectar concentration, and floral aroma were examined in order to infer pollinator type. The floral morphology and phenological data, while not necessarily typical in all features displayed by known hawkmoth-pollinated plants, suggest hawkmoth pollination by swing hovering. The presence of the sesquiterpenes alpha-farnesene and germacrene-D in the aroma supports this conclusion.