Cyphomandra (Solanaceae)

Unusual ecological aspects of Cyphomandra include its pollination syndrome and herbivore relationships. Male euglossine bees may be important pollinators of Cyphomandra flowers, and the primary attractants may not be pollen, but odor substances secreted by the anther connectives. Specialized herbivores known for Cyphomandra are larvae of neotropical butterflies of the nymphalid subfamily Ithomiinae. Further examination of these plant/insect relationships may elucidate the functional significance of the anther connective in pollination and provide insight into the comparative chemistry of Cyphomandra alkaloids.