Goldenrod soldier beetles inadvertently transferring pollen while feeding on nectar and pollen grains. Photo by Grandbrothers, Adobe Stock.
Pollinators contribute to the reproduction of over 87 percent of the world’s flowering plants and are crucial for agriculture, with 75 percent of the different types of crops we grow for food relying on pollinators to some extent to achieve their yields. Perhaps most importantly, one-third of global food production is dependent on pollination.
While bees often take the spotlight in discussions about pollination, there’s a whole cast of lesser-known characters playing vital roles. From beetles, flies, ants, moths, and even birds and bats, a diverse array of creatures quietly ensures the fertility of our crops and the stability of our ecosystems.
Beetles as Pollinators
Beetles, often overlooked in the pollination process, play a crucial role as one of nature’s primary pollinators, especially for ancient flowering plants like magnolias and spicebush. These insects, which were among the first to visit flowers, are known as “mess and soil” pollinators due to their less-than-delicate approach. As they feast on petals and other floral parts, beetles inadvertently collect pollen on their bodies. They lack specialized structures for transporting pollen; instead, pollen grains adhere to their bodies as they move from flower to flower. The flowers that attract beetles tend to be large, bowl-shaped, and emit strong, fruity, or spicy scents to lure the beetles in. Despite their seemingly destructive behavior, beetles are essential for the reproduction of the plants they visit.
A fly lands on a saltbush, unintentionally aiding in pollination. Photo by Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org.
Flies as Pollinators
Flies, often dismissed as mere nuisances, are crucial pollinators. With their bustling activity around flowers, flies inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another as they search for nectar and other food sources.
Flies are particularly attracted to flowers with strong odors and dull colors, characteristics often overlooked by other pollinators. While they may not be as efficient or specialized as bees, flies make up for it in sheer numbers and ubiquity, contributing significantly to the pollination of a wide variety of plant species, including many crops essential for humans.
Moths as Pollinators
And then there are moths, the nocturnal counterparts of butterflies, silently pollinating flowers under the cover of darkness. Drawn to flowers with pale or white petals and strong fragrances, such as apple, pear, and cherry blossoms, moths play a role in pollinating various plant species, contributing to overall yield and quality of the harvest. Their long proboscis allows them to reach deep into flowers, accessing nectar sources that may be out of reach for other pollinators.
Ghost orchids (Dendrophylax lindenii) can provide shelter and nesting sites for arboreal ants, which in turn, may aid in pollination.
Ants as Pollinators
While ants are primarily known for their role as scavengers and defenders of their colonies, they also contribute supplementary to pollination of some plants in surprising ways.
In tropical forests, certain plants referred to as ant-plants or myrmecophytes, form close, sometimes obligatory partnerships with ants. These plants feature specialized hollow structures known as domatia, which serve as homes for ant colonies in exchange for protection and pollination services for the plant. Domatia vary by species, but can include stems, thorns, roots, stipules, petioles, or leaves. Some orchid species, such as the ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii), which are native to Cuba and southwest Florida, provide shelter and nesting sites for an arboreal ant species called acrobat ants (Crematogaster ashmeadi). The ants, in turn, protect the orchids from herbivores and may aid in pollination.
Another strategy of some flowers is to develop nectaries on their exterior to entice ants, deterring other insects from stealing the nectar by accessing it from the side, thus compelling them to enter the flower in a manner more favorable for pollination. While ants can clearly contribute to pollination, researchers have also found that some ants secrete a natural antibiotic, which protects them from infections but harms pollen grains.
Birds as Pollinators
A juvenile male ruby-throated hummingbird serving as a pollinator as it flits from flower to flower, sipping nectar. Photo by Chase D’Animulls, Adobe Stock.
When we imagine pollinators, birds might not be the first creatures that come to mind. However, birds, comprising around 2,000 nectar-feeding species, play a significant role as pollinators among vertebrates.
Hummingbirds, with their tiny size and lightning-fast wings, are nature’s dynamos of pollination. Their slender bills and long tongues are perfectly adapted to extract the sugary nectar from flowers, inadvertently transferring pollen that adheres to their head and neck as they feed on other flowers. The ruby-throated hummingbird stands out as Florida’s prominent native bird engaged in plant pollination.
But it’s not just hummingbirds; other bird species, from sunbirds to honeyeaters, play their part in pollination too. Their behaviors, such as perching on flowers or probing deep into blossoms, can facilitate the transfer of pollen.
Bats as Pollinators
In the darkness of night, bats perform a vital ecological service: pollination. Particularly in tropical regions, bats have co-evolved with certain plant species, forming intricate mutualistic relationships. Surprisingly, over 500 plant species worldwide rely on bats for pollination, including important crops like agave, banana, cacao, guava, and mango.
Even insect-eating bats, such as this Brazilian free-tailed bat, can inadvertently contribute to pollination as it feeds on insects within flowers. Photo by Phil, Adobe Stock.
In Florida, all native bats are insectivores, primarily preying on insects such as mosquitoes, moths, and beetles. However, recent research suggests that insect-eating bats may even outperform their nectar-feeding counterparts in certain cases when it comes to pollination efficiency. As these bats feed on insects inhabiting flowers, they inadvertently spread pollen during the process, highlighting the diverse and sometimes unexpected roles bats play in ecosystems.
Recognizing and conserving all pollinator species, from birds and beetles to bats and ants, is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and ensuring food security. By promoting pollinator-friendly practices and habitat conservation, we can safeguard the intricate web of life that sustains us all.
In the realm of pollinator-friendly plants, Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) often flies under the radar despite its remarkable qualities. This delicate flowering plant, with its clusters of tiny blooms, not only adds beauty to gardens but also serves as a vital resource for pollinators.
An exemplary instance is the hybrid series, Easy Breezy™, known for its compact size and remarkable heat tolerance, allowing it to thrive well beyond the spring season. Available in white, pink, and purple variations, this cultivar stands out. Another hybrid, known for its exceptional heat tolerance, is the white-flowering Lobularia ‘Inlbusnopr’, frequently marketed under the trademarked name Snow Princess®.
Let’s explore the many benefits of sweet alyssum as a pollinator crop and why it deserves a place in every garden.
Attractiveness to Pollinators
Sweet alyssum’s petite blossoms, exude a sweet fragrance that acts as a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. Its nectar-rich flowers provide a vital food source for these creatures throughout the growing season.
Honey bee on sweet alyssum, photo by Worrel Diedrick
Extended Blooming Period
One of the standout features of sweet alyssum is its prolonged blooming period, which often lasts from spring through fall in favorable climates. This extended flowering season ensures a consistent supply of nectar for pollinators, especially during times when other floral resources may be scarce.
Low Maintenance and Versatility
Sweet alyssum is renowned for its adaptability and ease of cultivation. It thrives in a variety of soil types and is tolerant of both drought and heat, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance pollinator-friendly plants. Whether grown in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets, sweet alyssum adds charm and functionality to any landscape.
Companion Planting Benefits
Beyond its role as a pollinator crop, sweet alyssum offers additional benefits to gardeners through companion planting. Its compact growth habit and dense foliage act as a natural ground cover, suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture. Furthermore, sweet alyssum is known to attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies and predatory wasps, which help control garden pests.
Encouraging Urban Pollination
In urban environments where green spaces may be limited, incorporating sweet alyssum into landscaping projects can play a significant role in supporting local pollinator populations. Whether in public parks, rooftop gardens, or community plots, the addition of sweet alyssum provides essential forage for pollinators and contributes to urban biodiversity conservation efforts.
Sweet alyssum’s unassuming beauty and pollinator-friendly characteristics make it an excellent educational tool for teaching about the importance of pollination and ecosystem dynamics. They may be small in stature, but its impact as a pollinator crop is undeniable. By incorporating this humble yet vital plant into our landscapes, we can create havens for pollinators and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity for generations to come. Let us embrace sweet alyssum as the unsung hero of pollinator crops.
For more information on sweet alyssum, contact your county Extension office.
What is a titi? Google it. Wiktionary says it is “a New World monkey of the genus Callicebus, native to South America, distinguished by their long soft fur”. But deeper into the definitions you will find “a shrub or small tree of the southern Unites States, having glossy leaves and elongated clusters of flowers, occurring in wet soil conditions”.
Titi is just a common name for two species that grow in the wetlands. Black titi (Cliftonia monophyla), also referred to as buckwheat tree, is the first to bloom in the spring. Native seedlings produce clusters of small white flowers at the tip of the branches. The sweet-smelling blooms provide a nectar source for bees in February and March. Following pollination, golden-brown seed pods will form, resembling buckwheat grains; hence, the other common name. The seed persists through the fall, providing added aesthetics and a food source for native and migratory birds. Pink-flowering sports of the Black titi have been propagated for the native plant nursery trade. ‘Chipolo Pink’ is one of the most popular (pictured).
The other species is Red titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), also called Swamp titi. It will send out multiple drooping white flowers in a finger-like cluster from the previous year’s wood. Blooming begins in the late spring and continues into the summer. Unfortunately, the nectar has shown to be a source for purple brood disease in bees, a terminal condition for the baby bees.
So, when deciding on native plants for your wetlands edge or rain garden, look for the Black titi and the new cultivars on the market. Then research other summer-flowering nectar sources like Clethra alnifolia, Sweet pepperbush, and their many new cultivars.
In the ever growing urbanization of our world today, green spaces are hard to come by but are so essential to biodiversity conservation. Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds, play a crucial role in our ecosystem by facilitating plant reproduction. Unfortunately, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. However, by making simple changes to your garden, you can create an environment that supports and protects your pollinators. In this article, we will discuss ways to turn your garden into a pollinator paradise.
Gulf Fritillary butterfly on flower. Photo taken 09-26-22. UF/IFAS Photo by Cat Wofford.
Choosing Native Plants
Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them ideal for supporting native pollinators. Research native species that thrive in your region and incorporate them into your landscape. Aim for a diverse selection of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year to provide a continuous food source for pollinators.
Flowers and insects at the student gardens on the University of Florida campus. Pollinating bee. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.
Providing Shelter and Nesting Sites
Pollinators need more than just nectar-rich flowers; they also require sheltered spaces for nesting or overwintering. By incorporating features such as brush piles, dead trees, and nesting boxes you are creating habitat diversity for the pollinators. Leaving some areas of bare soil for ground-nesting bees and providing water sources like shallow dishes or birdbaths can further enhance your garden’s appeal to pollinators as well.
Avoid Chemical Pesticides
Chemical pesticides not only can harm pollinators, but they can also directly disrupt ecosystems. Instead of reaching for a spray on the shelf to deter pests, consider using a natural pest control method such as companion planting, handpicking pests, and encouraging natural predators like ladybugs and birds. Certain organic gardening practices not only protect pollinators, but can also promote your garden’s overall health.
Embrace Imperfection
A manicured garden may look appealing, but it can be sometimes inhospitable to our pollinator friends. Create a more naturalistic approach by allowing certain areas of your garden to grow wild. Letting plants go to seed, leaving some leaf litter, and allowing flowers to fade and form seed heads provide valuable resources for pollinators throughout their life cycle.
A butterfly garden at a Florida-Friendly Landscape. UF/IFAS Photo taken by Cat Wofford 9-29-23
Educate and Inspire Others
Because pollinator numbers have rapidly declined in recent years, awareness and education of their importance to our ecosystem is crucial. Spreading the word of their importance and how you can contribute to conservation efforts truly helps the cause. UF/IFAS Extension has made great efforts in hosting workshops, giving presentations, and sharing information through newsletters and social media about the importance of creating pollinator habitats. We encourage you, your neighbors, friends, and community members to join in the movement of creating pollinator-friendly gardens and landscapes.
By transforming your garden into a pollinator paradise, you not only enhance its beauty, but also play a vital role in conserving biodiversity. Every flower you plant and every habitat you create contributes to the well-being of bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.
Plant names in today’s industry are not as simple as the established binomial (genus and specific) and a common name. Many of the plants that you get for your landscape are varieties, cultivars, and hybrids. To make matters more complicated, there are trade names that are given to plants to aid in marketing. We see the Endless Summer® hydrangea or Purple Pixie® Loropetalum. Throw into the mix the work of plant taxonomists who are always reclassifying plants and we can all be truly confused about a plant’s name.
Even as names change, it is still fun to learn plant names. Just recently, I sent plant pictures to the UF Herbarium to help get a clarification on the plant I was calling Georgia savory, Clinopodium sp. This is one of my favorite plants because it makes a spreading groundcover that grows about 1.5 feet tall and has tubular flowers in spring and fall. Many pollinators visit the flowers. It also grows well in sandy, well drained soil and thrives on occasional water. I have a single plant in my backyard that only gets water from rain and has grown to five feet wide over several years. It is definitely a low maintenance beauty.
My results back from the UF Herbarium did not completely clear up this plant’s name. There are reports that it is a hybrid of Clinopodium georgianum × Clinopodium ashei ‘Desi Arnaz’. Other information suggests that it is an intergeneric hybrid between Clinopodium and Conradina named x Clinadina ‘Desi Arnaz’.
The lesson from all this confusion is to just do your best. Realize that all of us can be mistaken on a plant’s name and even those that study plants in depth don’t always agree on a name. In the world of plant names, change can happen.
It’s no secret that fall, October specifically, is the best month for wildflower watching in the Panhandle. From the abundant vibrant yellow-gold display of various Sunflowers, Asters, and Goldenrods to the cosmopolitan bright pinks and purples of Mistflower, Blazing Star, and False Foxglove, local native landscapes light up each year around this time. However, if you’re lucky and know where to look, you can also spot two species, Azure Blue Sage (Salvia azurea) and Forked Bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum) that sport that rarest of wildflower hues – vivid blue.
Forked Bluecurls begins its flower show in late summer, picking up steam in fall, and reaching its peak now as nights get cool and the days grow short. The species’ flowers are easily among the most unique around. Each flower has two distinct “lips” – the lower lip is white and dotted with blue specks, while the top is distinctly pure blue – with characteristically curled blue stamens rising to preside over the rest of the flower below. Though individual flowers are very small and only bloom in the morning, they appear by the hundreds and are very striking taken together. Various pollinators, especially bees, also find Forked Bluecurls flowers to their liking and frequent them on cool fall mornings. Though the flowers are obviously the highlight, the rest of the plant is attractive as well, growing to 3’ in height and possessing small, light-green fuzzy leaves. Forked Bluecurls, while not exceedingly common, can be found in sunny, sandy natural areas throughout the Panhandle, including well-drained flatwoods, sandhills, and open, disturbed areas.
Forked Bluecurls blooming in an open natural area in Calhoun County, FL. Photo courtesy of Daniel Leonard.
The second blue bloomer, Azure Blue Sage, is possibly even more striking in flower than Forked Bluecurls. Aptly named and blooming around the same time as Forked Blue Curls, Azure Blue Sage is a much larger plant (often 4-6’ in height) and holds its abundant sky-blue flowers high above the surrounding landscape. Because of their height and their propensity to occur in bunches, Azure Blue Sage’s brilliant tubular flowers are immediately noticeable to passersby and the myriad bee and butterfly pollinators that visit. Beyond its flowers, Azure Blue Sage is a very unusual looking perennial plant, tall and spindly with dark green, narrow leaves held tightly to square stems, a giveaway of its lineage in the Mint family. The species can be found in similar areas to Forked Bluecurls – natural areas in the Panhandle that possess abundant sunshine and sandy, well-drained soil.
Azure Blue Sage blooming in a recently replanted pine forest in Calhoun County, FL. Photo courtesy of Daniel Leonard.
Both species would make excellent additions to mixed perennial landscapes where the soil and sun conditions were right, as they are exceedingly low-maintenance and have the propensity to reseed themselves from year to year. Unfortunately, they are rarer in the nursery trade than they are in the wild and can only be found occasionally at nurseries specializing in Florida native plants. (Visit PlantRealFlorida.org to find native nurseries in your area!) However, even if you are unable to source a plant for your home, both these somewhat rare, blue-blooming fall beauties, Forked Bluecurls and Azure Blue Sage, are worth searching out in the many State Parks and public natural areas across the Panhandle! For more information about Forked Bluecurls and Azure Blue sage or any other natural resource, horticultural, or agricultural topic, contact your local UF/IFAS County Extension Office. Happy fall wildflower watching!
