The pollination ecology of Echeandia macrocarpa (Liliaceae)

Field research and observation of the breeding system of the salvadoran extension of theEcheandia macrocarpa complex indicate an entirely mellittophilous syndrome, withBombus ephippiatus Say workers as the primary pollen vectors. Foraging behavior coupled with the floral morphology/ phenology of the host plant suggests a trend towards obligatory out-crossing. The foraging behavior ofB. ephippiatus workers on the host plant and on flowers of co-blooming species is reported to elucidate the dynamic processes that determine the present co-evolutionary status ofE. macrocarpa and its chief pollinator.