Abstract
Backgrounds and Aims
The hypothesis that plants evolve features that protect accessible pollen from consumption by flower visitors remains poorly understood.
Methods
To explore potential chemical defence against pollen consumption, we examined the pollinator assemblage, foraging behaviour, visitation frequency and pollen transfer efficiency in Rhododendron molle, a highly toxic shrub containing rhodojaponin III. Nutrient (protein and lipid) and toxic components in pollen and other tissues were measured.
Key Results
Overall in the five populations studied, floral visits...
