Pollination in the plants of the Golfo Dulce area

A brief survey is given of the pollination of flowers in the Golfo Dulce area. As in any tropical country, animal pollination prevails by far, while wind and water pollination play an insignificant role. Animal pollination includes birds (especially hummingbirds) and bats. Pollination by non-flying mammals has not yet been recorded in the Golfo Dulce area, but certainly occurs in some primarily bat-pollinated species. Irrespective of significance, the present treatment follows textbook patterns, starting with abiotic vectors (wind, water) and referring to the particular animal groups (bees, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, birds, bats and non-flying mammals). The large group of bee-pollinated flowers is classified according to the floral reward provided (pollen, nectar, perfume, oil, resin and deceptive flowers). Exemplary species which are frequent and easily encountered in the Golfo Dulce area are described in some detail and illustrated.