Pollination Ecology and Pollination Evolutionary Processes with Relevance in Ecosystem Restoration – Pollination Biology of Diuris: Testing for Batesian Mimicry in Southwestern Australia

Abstract

The thesis demonstrates a unique pollination system in the Australian orchid genus Diuris via floral mimicry of multiple pea plants (Faboideae). In order to frame the pollination ecology of the putative model pea plants, we also verify the type of pollinator interactions (generalised vs specialized), occurring in communities of pea plants in the southwestern Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR). Our findings support one of the rare confirmed case of guild mimicry in plant world.