Notes on the flowering and pollination of the endemic grassland Aloe reitzii var. reitzii (Asphodelaceae)

摘要: Background: Aloe reitzii var.  is a succulent with restricted distribution in the montane grassland of eastern South Africa. It summer (late January–March) flowering that grows on rocky outcrops at 1000 m–1600 m, and conspicuous inflorescences suggest pollination system focused towards birds. Objectives: To understand more about biology of  A. . Methods: Nectar standing crop (flower volume concentration) proportion plants were recorded. Camera traps observations used to record visitors to  inflorescences. Results: was 36 μL ± 27 per flower (range 6 μL–93 μL;  n = 27) concentration 16.5% 1.7% 13.5% – 19.5%). trap observations, where 18.9% all observed flowering, recorded three bird species Cape Weaver,  Ploceus capensis , Malachite Sunbird,  Nectarinia famosa Greater Double-collared Cinnyris afer (60.4%, 27.1% 12.5% plant visits, respectively) visiting Conclusion: Because birds are important pollinators for many  species, it assumed detected visiting  similarly pollinators. At least 10 invertebrate sengi ( Elephantulus sp.) also as flowers, but they may be less than specialist generalist avian nectarivores. This study provides further insight into diverse, ecologically important, genus