Variation in floral morphology, histochemistry, and floral visitors of three sympatric morning glory species

Abstract

Three morning glory species in the genus Argyreia Lour., A. lycioides (Choisy) Traiperm & Rattanakrajang, A. mekongensis Gagnep & Courchet, and A. versicolor (Kerr) Staples & Traiperm, were found co-occurring and co-flowering. Argyreia mekongensis and A. versicolor are rare, while A. lycioides is near threatened and distributed throughout Myanmar and Thailand. We investigated key floral characters (floral morphology and phenology, as well as the micromorphology of the floral nectary disc and staminal trichomes) and screened for important chemical compounds hypothesized to contribute to pollinator attraction. Our findings demonstrate that some aspects of floral morphology (e.g., corolla size, limb presence, and floral color) of the three studied congeners exhibit significant differences. Moreover, pollinator composition appears to be influenced by floral shape and size; morning glory species with wider corolla tubes were pollinated by larger bees. The morphology of the floral nectary disc was similar in all species, while variation in staminal trichomes was observed across species. Glandular trichomes were found in all three species, while non-glandular trichomes were found only in A. versicolor. Histochemical results revealed different compounds in the floral nectary and staminal trichomes of each species, which may contribute to both floral attraction and defense. These findings demonstrate some segregation of floral visitors among sympatric co-flowering morning glory species, which appears to be influenced by the macro- and micromorphology of flowers and their chemical compounds. Moreover, understanding the floral morphology and chemical attractants of these sympatric co-flowering Argyreia species may help to maintain their common pollinators in order to conserve these rare and endangered species, especially A. versicolor.