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Pollination of the invasive exotic shrub Lupinus arboreus (Fabaceae) by introduced bees in Tasmania

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 19:01 authored by Jane C Stout, Andrea R Kells, Dave GoulsonDave Goulson
Exotic plant invasions threaten ecological communities world-wide. Some species are limited by a lack of suitable pollinators, but the introduction of exotic pollinators can facilitate rapid spread. In Tasmania, where many non-native plants are naturalised, exotic honeybees (Apis mellifera) and bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) have become established. We determined how these species affect the pollination of Lupinus arboreus, an invasive, nitrogen-fixing shrub, which is rarely visited by native pollinators. The proportion of flowers setting seed and the number of ovules fertilised per flower were positively related to the visitation rates of both exotic bee species. There was no effect of bee visitation rates on the proportion of seeds aborted prior to maturity, possibly due to post-fertilisation environmental constraints. We conclude that the spread of B. terrestris may not alter the fecundity of L. arboreus because of the pollination service provided by A. mellifera, and discuss potential interactions between these two bee species. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Biological Conservation

ISSN

0006-3207

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

3

Volume

106

Page range

425-434

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2014-11-25

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