Pollination strategies of deceptive orchids – a review

Abstract

Orchids can be classified in terms of their pollination into rewarding species, which produce nectar in their flowers that serves as a reward for pollinators and deceptive species, whose flowers do not contain nectar and save energy for other purposes. This paper concentrates on the latter. Deceptive orchids attempt to deceive their pollinators by being similar to some non-orchid rewarding species, but not providing a reward. Each of these strategies has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of their effect on future fitness of a plant and/or population and subsequently its survival as a species. In summary, the literature indicates that deceptive strategies may lower reproductive success, but may be compensated for in that they cost less in terms of energy. This should be taken into consideration when developing management strategies for these species, which is often done by non-orchid specialists. This article is intended for such non-specialist audience and includes a description of the main types of deceptive strategies used by orchids, as well as examples of the most typical species.