Reproductive flexibility and plant–pollinator coupling in a carnivorous plant from campos rupestres Utricularia damazioi Beauverd (Lentibulariaceae)

Abstract Reproductive flexibility can promote plant persistence in fragmented or environmentally restrictive habitats by ensuring seed production under variable pollinator availability in small populations. This may be particularly important in naturally disjunct vegetations, such as the campos rupestres. Here, we integrated pollination ecology, reproductive biology, and sensory ecology to investigate the mechanisms that enable a carnivorous plant, Utricularia damazioi (Lentibulariaceae), to persist in these disjunct environments. Specifically, we asked: (1) whether the species depends on pollinators for seed set; (2) whether shifts in herkogamy during anthesis promote delayed self-pollination; (3) which floral visitors act as effective pollinators; and (4) whether corolla colour patterns function as visual cues for pollinator attraction. Corolla colour and reproductive organ positions were monitored throughout the anthesis, the breeding system was determined, and floral visitor behaviour recorded. Corolla morphometry was compared with floral visitors’ to assess flower–pollinator morphological coupling and floral reflectance was measured to evaluate colour perception by bees. Utricularia damazioi is self-compatible, exhibits protogyny, approach, and temporal herkogamy. Small- and medium-sized bees act as effective pollinators. Delayed self-pollination occurs when cross-pollination fails, providing reproductive assurance and probably contributing to the persistence of disjunct small populations.