Syconium development in Ficus petiolaris (Ficus, sect. Americanae, Moraceae) and the relationship with pollinator and parasitic wasps

Abstract

For the first time in a Neotropical Ficus species (Ficus petiolaris Kunth), the external and internal structural changes in its syconia are described, together with the development of its fig wasps. Ficus petiolaris is endemic to Mexico and represents the northernmost limit of the geographical distribution of the genus in America. Considering the large variation in syconium morphology, we evaluated whether there are differences between syconium development in F. petiolaris and that described for Paleotropical species. We recorded the development of 428 syconia in two individuals from initiation to maturity, weekly, for a period of five months, as well as that of their associated insects. The time required for completion of syconium development ranged from 91 to 126 days. The external morphology of the syconia (color, ostiole size, and thickness of syconium wall) enabled phase recognition. Male and female pollinators (Pegoscapus sp.) and parasitic wasps (Idarnes sp.) were registered. High seed germination values (50%–90%) indirectly tested the positive role of pollinators. Our results are similar to those reported in Paleotropical Ficus species, and should contribute to our understanding of syconium development as well as to the relationships that they maintain with their Agaonidae wasps.