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Just curious about any coevolution between heliconia and frogs. Hummingbirds are the exclusive pollinator of Heliconias in the American tropics, and heliconias have evolved their flowers and bracts to suit hummingbirds, and to a certain extent the reverse may be true.
Heliconia have either pendant or erect inflorescences, and hummingbirds can reach the flowers of both, so what are the advantages of one or the other? Erect inflorescences provide a perch for hummingbirds, which, although not necessary, allow the hummingbirds to conserve energy. Some of the erect inflorescences have boat-like bracts which hold lots of water - surely at a cost to the plant...
There are many heliconia nectar parasites, and the flower sits in the middle of the water-filled bract, protruding above the water level. The water itself may provide some protection. We know that different dart frog species use the water-filled bracts as tadpole nurseries and i'm wondering if the darts provide added protection against invertebrate parasites in return. Any thoughts?
Steve
Heliconia have either pendant or erect inflorescences, and hummingbirds can reach the flowers of both, so what are the advantages of one or the other? Erect inflorescences provide a perch for hummingbirds, which, although not necessary, allow the hummingbirds to conserve energy. Some of the erect inflorescences have boat-like bracts which hold lots of water - surely at a cost to the plant...
There are many heliconia nectar parasites, and the flower sits in the middle of the water-filled bract, protruding above the water level. The water itself may provide some protection. We know that different dart frog species use the water-filled bracts as tadpole nurseries and i'm wondering if the darts provide added protection against invertebrate parasites in return. Any thoughts?


Steve