Pollination of an invasive orchid, Cyrtopodium polyphyllum (Orchidaceae), by an invasive oil-collecting bee, Centris nitida, in southern Florida

The lack of appropriate pollinators is believed to be an impediment to naturalization of orchids. We studied the self-compatibility and pollination of an invasive, showy, rewardless, terrestrial orchid (Cyrtopodium polyphyllum (Vell.) Pabst ex F. Barrios) in southern Florida. Pollination treatments indicated that the orchid is self-compatible but not autogamous. Visitor observations indicated that the orchid is pollinated by an invasive specialist oil-collecting bee (Centris nitida Smith). The presence of the invasive Centris nitida has probably contributed to the naturalization of this probable oil reward mimicking orchid in Florida. We contrasted our results in the orchid's native range. In the invasive range in Florida, the orchid experiences a lower inbreeding depression. In both areas, the orchid is pollinated by Centris species and the pollination of the orchid is apparently enhanced by the presence of oil-rewarding species of the Malpighiaceae.