Hawkmoth-pollination in Crinum variabile (Amaryllidaceae) and the biogeography of sphingophily in southern African Amaryllidaceae

摘要: The flowers of Crinum variabile (Amaryllidaceae) exhibit the characteristics sphingophily, including a longtubed, pale-coloured perianth that expands more fully at night, strong sweet fragrance dominated by acyclic terpenoid alcohol, linalool and abundant nectar. hawkmoth Hyles lineata (Sphingidae) was recorded as pollinator species. A total 22 species southern African Amaryllidaceae in genera Crinum, Cyrtanthus Pancratium conform to syndrome sphingophily. Sphingophilous are widely distributed across Africa, most commonly savannah grassland but almost absent from winter-rainfall parts region. uneven distribution these Africa correlates with shortage appropriate larval food plants Cape Region.