Effects of floral display, conspecific density and rewarding species on fruit set in the deceptive orchid Orchis militaris (Orchidaceae)

摘要

Background and aims - About one third of orchid species do not produce any floral reward but have developed various strategies to attract pollinators. The most common system is food deception, which takes place through two types of attraction mechanisms: Batesian floral mimicry and generalised food deception. In rewardless species, fruit set is generally low and various factors, such as floral display size or density, are known to positively or negatively influence fruit set. This study aimed to clarify the deceptive pollination system in Orchis militaris and to investigate the effect of individual, population and environmental factors on fruit set in this orchid species.