The Explosive Floral-mechanism and Pollination in the Genus Hyptis (Lamiaceae)

Hyptis is a New World genus with a few of its species occurring in the Old World. It is characterised by the sexual floral organs enclosed in the carinal-like lower lip which slips explosively or non-explosively upon landing of the appropriate forager seeking floral reward. The principal pollinating agents include bees, wasps and hummingbirds. Very few species have been studied compared to the vast number of species listed in the genus. The species contain flag-shaped blossoms and adapted to stemotribic mode of pollination. This paper reviews information on the floral mechanisms and pollination in the genus and also compares the same with similar floral mechanisms found in other members of Larniaceae and also with the members of other angiospermic families