International Journal of Pure & Applied Bioscience (IJPAB)
Year : 2016, Volume : 4, Issue : 1
First page : (61) Last page : (67)
Article doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.2203

Pollinators of Allanblackia stuhlmannii (Engl.), Mkani fat an endemic tree in eastern usambara mountains, Tanzania

Ida A. Mrema* and Bruno A. Nyundo
¹Department of Life Sciences, Mkwawa University College of Education (A constituent College of the University of Dar es Salaam), Private Bag, Iringa. Tanzania ²Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. BOX 35064, Dar es Salaam. Tanzania
*Corresponding Author E-mail: idamrema@yahoo.com
Received: 29.01.2016 | Revised: 13.02.2016 | Accepted: 16.02.2016
Abstract
Aspects of the pollination biology of Allanblackia stuhlmannii were investigated on four selected trees in Amani Nature Reserve. This study aimed at identifying the actual pollinators of Allanblackia stuhlmannii. Methods used included visual observations by recording the activities of visitors to the flowers and checking the presence or absence of pollen adhering on their bodies. Meliponula sp. was identified as the actual pollinators while, Apis mellifera and Formicidae were confirmed to be nectar- feeders. Sunbirds and Sphingids could not be proven so on their roles. Findings of this study suggest habitat conservation so as to keep intact natural habitat which increase abundance and diversity of pollinators. It is recommended that further studies be undertaken on sunbirds and sphingids to determine whether or not they are also pollinators.

Key words: Allanblackia stuhlmannii, Pollinators, Meliponula sp.

Full Text : PDF; Journal doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782

Cite this article: Mrema, I.A. and Nyundo, B.A., Pollinators of Allanblackia stuhlmannii (Engl.), Mkani fatan endemic tree in eastern usambara mountains, Tanzania, Int. J. Pure App. Biosci. 4(1): 61-67 (2016). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.2203