Astragalus (Fabaceae) is a broadly distributed, diverse, and economically important group of plants. Given the number of species and its distribution, it is not surprising that there are many species that are highly restricted and endangered. Among these is the Ash Meadows milkvetch, Astragalus phoenix. Here we investigate the breeding biology of As. phoenix. Our data show that As. phoenix is xenogamous and that Anthophora porterae (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is the most likely pollinator. We also noticed Apis mellifera visiting As. phoenix, though it appears unlikely that Ap. rnellifera contributes significantly to the reproductive success of As. phoenix. We located a nesting aggregation of An. porterae and offer a description of its nest architecture.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 November 2013
Pollination Biology of Astragalus phoenix (Fabaceae) with Notes on the Natural History of its Pollinator, Anthophora porterae (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
David A. Tanner,
Catherine Clark,
James P. Pitts
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE