Extrafloral Nectaries of Aristolochia zollingeriana (Aristolochiaceae)

Abstract

Extrafloral nectar production in Aristolochia zollingeriana (Aristolochiaceae) is reported. At first, A. zollingeriana cultivated at Koishikawa Botanical Garden, University of Tokyo was found to produce extrafloral nectar-like secretion. Consequently, fieldwork was conducted at Miyakojima Island in southwestern Japan to confirm whether this species produces extrafloral nectar and attracts ants through the nectar in its natural habitats. I found that A. zollingeriana produced extrafloral nectar from young flower buds or their adjacent tissues. The invasive ant species Pheidole megacephala was observed feeding on this nectar.