Morphology and Insect Visitors of Solanum torvum Sw. (Solanaceae) Flowers

Objective: The aim of this paper was to analyze the floral morphology and identify the visitors to the flowers of Solanum torvum Sw. (Solanaceae). Theoretical Framework: The morphological study of flowers and their interaction with visiting or pollinating insects are essential for the preservation, taxonomy and ecology of angiosperm species, particularly for the genus Solanum (Solanaceae). In the present study, Solanum torvum flowers were investigated and compared with other studied species of the genus. Method: Flowers of Solanum torvum plants from vacant lots in Maringá and Sarandi, Paraná, Brazil, were selected for studies of morphology, anthesis and floral visitors. Insect behavior and identification were performed for 5 days. The temperature of the inflorescences was measured using a FLIR thermal camera. Results and Discussion: The flowers of Solanum torvum have typical morphology of the genus, especially poricidal anthers and long or short style. The flowers are frequently visited by bees, here by Bombus mori. Our results were compared with other Solanum species, whose flower features, visiting insects and breeding system are shown in a table. Research Implication/value: The study of the flower and insect visitors of Solanum torvum, associated with the survey of floral biology characters of other Solanum species, will contribute significantly to the taxonomy and ecology of the genus.