Mice pollinate the Pagoda Lily, Whiteheadia bifolia (Hyacinthaceae) — First field observations with photographic documentation of rodent pollination in South Africa

摘要: Abstract For the first time in South Africa nocturnal rodent pollination was observed and photographed under natural conditions. In Northern Cederberg area of Western Cape field studies experiments showed that flowers Whiteheadia bifolia (Hyacinthaceae) are visited at night by rodents, mainly Namaqua Rock Mouse Aethomys namaquensis . The mice were licking nectar while being dusted with pollen touching stigmas. No other visitors during day or night. W. found around snouts faeces live-trapped mice, latter likely as a result grooming their fur, since they without eating destroying them. has characters floral syndrome such visually inconspicuous, bowl-shaped close to ground, stiff stamens well easily accessible, very viscous weak, slightly sourish-nutty scent. Furthermore, these findings support hypothesis syndromes can be used make testable predictions about trait evolution due pollinator selection.