Exotic plants are spreading globally, raising concerns about their ecological impact. A study by Chitchak and colleagues sheds light on this issue, examining the pollination of exotic plants worldwide. By analysing 201 plant species from 88 studies, they discovered that these plants exhibit remarkable flexibility in attracting pollinators. This research not only enhances our understanding of plant-pollinator interactions but also has implications for managing invasive species and preserving biodiversity.
The study revealed a staggering diversity of pollinators visiting exotic plants: 964 animal species from 94 families and 12 orders. While bees dominated, flies, beetles, butterflies, and birds also played significant roles. Intriguingly, plants often attracted similar pollinators in both native and exotic ranges, particularly at the order level. However, geographic distance negatively correlated with pollinator similarity, suggesting that exotic plants can adapt to new environments by attracting novel pollinators when necessary.
The researchers conducted a systematic literature review using the Scopus database to gather data on exotic plants and their pollinators. They extracted information on floral visitors, plant characteristics, and study locations from 88 published studies. To assess pollinator relationships, they calculated floral visitor similarity between native and exotic ranges. They then used statistical analyses to test hypotheses about visitor similarity and its relationship with geographic distance.
The global spread of exotic plants poses significant ecological and economic challenges. This study provides insights into how these plants establish themselves in new environments through pollination flexibility. By attracting both native and exotic pollinators, these plants can thrive in diverse ecosystems.
Chitchak, N., Hassa, P., Traiperm, P. and Stewart, A.B., 2024. Who pollinates exotic plants? A global assessment across native and exotic ranges. Global Ecology and Conservation, 54, p.e03185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03185 (OA)
