INSECT POLLINATION IN THE CYCAD ZAMIA PUMILA (ZAMIACEAE)

Abstract

A wind and insect exclusion pollination experiment was conducted in a wild population of the cycad Zamia pumila L. in Florida. Cones from which insects but not wind were excluded produced no viable seeds, while cones from which wind but not insects were excluded produced abundant viable seeds. Two beetle species have been identified which may be effecting pollination. Adults and larvae of both beetles are found abundantly on the male cones, and adults of both species and larvae of one species are found occasionally on female cones. Z. pumila produces sugar and amino acid‐rich micropyle droplets which may serve as pollinator rewards. Mimicry of resource‐rich male cones by female cones and the use of cones as refuges between mating and feeding bouts may account for beetle movement from male to female cones.