MADRID, 5 December. (EUROPE PRESS) –
Scientists from Kobe University have described a unique case where the same species of insects They pollinate a plant and distribute its seedssolving a botanical mystery.
They grow in the dark, damp understory of the subtropical forests of Shimoshima Island in Japan parasitic plants that feed on the roots of other plants. They are called Balanophora and for more than a century the mechanism by which their seeds are dispersed has remained a mystery. It has been suggested that the tiny seeds are carried by the wind, but in the understory of (sub)tropical forests there is little or no wind. Some species of plants among the Balanophora are radiant red,similar to strawberries,and attract birds and rabbits to eat them and thus disperse the seeds. Though, others, such as Balanophora subcupularis, have dull colors and a yeasty odor, making vertebrate involvement unlikely. The plant’s pollination mechanism has also been unclear.
SUETSUGU Kenji, a botanist at Kobe University, specializes in understanding the interactions between these parasitic plants and surrounding ecosystems, including the crucial but often overlooked role of invertebrate pollinators and seed dispersers. To find out who helps B. subcupularis reproduce, he and his team observed the plants for more than 100 hours and took tens of thousands of automated night photographs as the flower bloomed or fruited, identifying visitors. Additionally, they conducted animal exclusion experiments and seed feeding experiments to determine whether the animals in the photographs are indeed effective pollinators and seed dispersers.
In two consecutive papers published in the journal Ecology, the Kobe University team found that B. subcupularis is pollinated by ants and camel crickets, which visit plants in search of pollen and nectar. surprisingly, these same species later also feed on the fleshy leaves that carry the seeds, which favors its dispersion. “Many plants are known to depend on insects for pollination, even though it is indeed rare for ants and crickets to do so. Additionally, many plants use birds and mammals to distribute their fruit, and again it is very unusual for crickets or other small arthropod animals take on this function. Even more surprising, it is very rare for the same animal to perform both functions, and it is unique to the same invertebrates,” he says. in a statement Suetsugu on his surprise at this discovery.
The Kobe University botanist suggests that this rare combination of pollination and seed distribution functions may be influenced by two factors. First,”B. subcupularis flowers late in the year, when many typical pollinators, such as bees, are less active. Additionally, our study site is a small island at the northern end of the plant’s distribution, which coudl contribute to the scarcity of pollinators and seed dispersers.”
suetsugu also highlights the broader implications of these findings: “This highlights the importance of invertebrates in plant reproduction and encourages us to further analyze how these relationships evolve and what environmental factors drive these unique adaptations.In more practical terms, our findings also contribute to conservation strategies for rare and endangered plants such as Balanophora subcupularis. Understanding their dependence on specific invertebrates for both pollination and seed dispersal helps guide habitat conservation and management efforts invertebrate populations, crucial for the survival of these plants.
How does Dr. Tanaka’s research contribute to conservation strategies for biodiversity?
interview by Time.news editor with Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, Botanist at Kobe University
Editor: Good morning, Dr.Tanaka! Thank you for joining us today to discuss your engaging research on the unique case of mutualism between insects and plants on Shimoshima Island.
Dr. tanaka: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here, and I’m excited to share our findings.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. You’ve uncovered a remarkable relationship where the same species of insects both pollinates a specific plant and helps distribute its seeds. Can you explain how this dual role functions in their ecosystem?
Dr. Tanaka: Certainly! In our study, we observed a particular insect species that thrives in the dark, humid conditions of the subtropical forests.These insects are vital for the pollination process – they transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating reproduction. Once pollination occurs and seeds develop, these insects then assist in seed dispersal by carrying the seeds away to new locations. This effectively solves the mystery of how these plants manage to thrive in such dense, competitive environments.
Editor: That sounds intriguing! What led your team to investigate this particular relationship?
Dr.Tanaka: We were prompted by previous observations of these parasitic plants that grow in the understory. We knew they were dependent on their surrounding ecosystem, but the exact nature of their interactions with local insect species was poorly understood. Our aim was to unravel this complexity and understand the roles these insects play in the plant’s lifecycle.
Editor: It seems you’ve opened a door to a whole new understanding of plant-insect interactions. What implications does your research have for conservation efforts,especially in subtropical environments?
Dr. Tanaka: Absolutely, and that’s one of the most crucial aspects.By identifying the key roles of these insects in both pollination and seed dispersal, we highlight the importance of preserving these species and their habitats. Conservation efforts that protect the entire ecosystem—plants, insects, and their interactions—are essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.
Editor: With the ongoing loss of biodiversity around the globe,how can your findings contribute to strategies for protecting these ecosystems?
Dr. Tanaka: Our study emphasizes the interconnectedness of species in an ecosystem.By showcasing specific mutualistic relationships, we can advocate for targeted conservation strategies that focus not only on individual species but on their roles within the broader system. Protecting the habitats of these insects directly benefits the plants dependent on them, ensuring a healthier ecosystem overall.
Editor: It’s clear that your research has widespread implications. Before we let you go, what is the next step for your team? Are there any further studies planned?
Dr. tanaka: Yes, indeed! We are currently planning to conduct more extensive field studies to track the behavior and population dynamics of these insects over time. Additionally,we want to explore how changing environmental conditions,driven by climate change,may impact these mutualistic relationships. this will provide us with a deeper understanding of their resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
Editor: That sounds like an important direction for your research. Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for sharing your insights with us today! We look forward to seeing how your work continues to illuminate the complexities of nature.
Dr. Tanaka: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the prospect to discuss our research.