Salvia apiana — A carpenter bee flower?

Abstract Salvia apiana has unique mask flowers restricting access to nectar by a bulged lower lip. Stamens and style protrude the flower tube. Most interesting, the staminal lever mechanism usually characterizing bee flowers in Salvia L. is lacking. In the present study, we aim to understand the peculiar pollination mechanism and to identify the pollinators and breeding system of the species. Field experiments were conducted at three natural localities in Southern California and the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden, Claremont. Pollinator behavior was documented on video and interpreted considering frequency, handling time, percentage of successfully touching pollen and stigma, pollen depos…