Birds as Possible Pollinators of Acacia pycnantha

Abstract

Acacia pycnantha, like many members of its genus, produces nectar from a gland at the base of the petiole. Nectar is apparently produced only when the plant is flowering and only on petioles close to the inflorescences. The nectary seems poorly placed to attract insect pollinators, but honeyeaters and silvereyes take the nectar, brush against the flowers and could effect pollination. Insects also visit the nectaries and flowers and may act as an additional attractant to the birds.