The role of E. maritimum (L.) in the dune pollination network of the
Balearic Islands
Abstract
Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae) is a geophyte that inhabits in the
dunes of the Mediterranean and Atlantic. In Northern Europe, it is
considered a highly endangered species due to reproductive problems,
while in the Mediterranean, populations are in a good state of
conservation. Although it is a highly entomophilous species, there is
little literature on its pollinators. The aim of this study is to
analyse the role played by E. maritimum in the dune pollination network
of the Balearic Islands. For this purpose, two populations located in
the North and South of Mallorca were chosen, in which diurnal transects
were carried out to observe and capture pollinators on 15 plant species
during the anthesis period of E. maritimum. In parallel, an analysis of
the flowering period of 10 of these plant species was carried out to
identify periods of competition. A total of 82 pollinator species were
found, belonging to 30 different families. Eryngium maritimum is a
strongly generalist species, with a total of 46 pollinator species.
Functionally, Teucrium dunense and Helichrysum stoechas are functionally
the most similar species to E. maritimum. However, analysis of phenology
suggests that these three species have been able to decouple their
blooms to avoid competition. The present study shows that E. maritimum
plays a key role in the dune pollination network, being its anthesis
located at the end of the dune flowering season, when there are no
functionally similar species in flower.