The role of sunbirds (Nectariniidae) in the pollination ecology ofStrelitzia nicolai (Musaceae) was studied for one year in a coastal dune forest in Zululand, South Africa. It was found thatS. nicolai produced large quantities of low quality nectar (1.74 j/μl); that nectar production was highest during the day-time; and that the flowers displayed several characteristics attractive to bird-visitors. The flowers were large, conspicuous and provided the birds with a perch, facilitating easy access to the nectar. Flowers were visited by four species of sunbirds: Olive SunbirdNectarinia olivacea, Grey SunbirdN. veroxii, Black SunbirdN. amethystina, and Collared SunbirdAnthreptes collaris. Sunbirds visited the flowers throughout the year, and apparently cued into changes in the flower angle as an indication of nectar flow rates. Sunbirds perched on the flowers in a manner which effected pollination, the pollen being transferred to the stigma via the birds' feet. Besides the sunbirds, there were other visitors (bushbabies, monkeys and insects) to the flowers, but they did not visit the flowers frequently nor did they appear to be significant pollinators. The high seed set ofS. nicolai in the study area attests to the efficacy of the sunbirds as pollinators.

1. P. G. H. Frost

   Present address: Savanna Ecosystem Project, P.O. Boekenhout, 0561, Transvaal, South Africa

Authors and Affiliations

1. FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, 7700, Rondebosch, South Africa

   S. K. Frost & P. G. H. Frost

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