Re: [Aroid-l] Hybrids and pollinators

From: "Peter Matthews" <pjm at gol.com> on 2007.02.25 at 03:07:47(15346) Dear Julius, Your point is good, and here are some further comments that may help to define the problem further. A few years ago, genetic evidence for natural hybrisation between Alocasia and Colocasia was first published. Much more needs to be learned about this, through comparisons of the genetic composition of Alocasia and Colocasia species and populations, and also through studies of the insect pollinators. Japanese entomologists have recently surveyed populations of pollinators on Alocasia and Colocasia in Southeast Asia. In general, the insects are host-specific, but this is not 100% - the pollinator swarms can include up to four different species and in areas where both host genera are present, there is a possibility that for behavioural or other reasons, the insects move from one host to the other. In my own research, I am hoping to look at this further, in collaboration with entomologists. If others on this list would like to learn more about this work, please contact me directly. +More ****** On 24/2/2007, "Julius Boos" wrote: > >>From : >Reply-To : Discussion of aroids >Sent : Friday, February 23, 2007 6:34 PM >To : aroid-l@gizmoworks.com (Discussion of aroids) >Subject : Re: [Aroid-l] Philodendron 'Santa Leopoldina' > > >I don`t believe that anyone denys that there are 'natural hybrids' in >nature. BUT---'mother nature' usually makes these 'natural hybrids' a >rare occurence, and in many cases a Biological dead-end. Think about a >mule (donkey X horse). In other hybrids, there is no or limited fertility >in the hybrid. The statement 'pollen goes wherever it may' is true in very >few cases except wind-pollenated species, it MUST be transported from plant >to plant (or animal to animal), and there are mecanisims to ensure in most >cases that the pollen from one species goes to that species (distinct >different odurs or shape/colors of blooms in plants, different behaviors, >etc. in animals/birds). >But yes, there are 'natural hybrids' that do sometimes occur, even in >aroids! > >Julius > >>>Can anypne deny that in nature there may be some "natural hybrids"? >Pollen goes wherever it may-- > >_ > > >_______________________________________________ >Aroid-l mailing list >Aroid-l@gizmoworks.com >http://www.gizmoworks.com/mailman/listinfo/aroid-l > _______________________________________________ Aroid-l mailing list Aroid-l@gizmoworks.com http://www.gizmoworks.com/mailman/listinfo/aroid-l

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