Ultraviolet Floral Patterns in the Native Hawaiian Flora: What Do They Mean for Island Biogeography?

摘要

We examined 104 species (13) of the approximately 784 species of biotically pollinated plants native to Hawai'i and found 14 (13.5) that have an ultraviolet (UV) floral pattern. However, detailed examination revealed that 32 of the Hawaiian strand species have UV floral patterns whereas only 8 of the upland species did. All of the flowers with UV patterns measured 1 cm or more in diameter and all but two appear yellow to humans. We discuss several possible explanations for the apparent paucity of UV floral patterns in the native Hawaiian upland flora.