Breeding system and pollinator activity were studied in two Norwegian populations of Pulsatilla pratensis: a small outpost population, on Hovedoya in Oslo, and a large population located centrally within the main area of this species in Norway, on Sandoya in Tjome, Vestfold. One objective was to assess, if possible, the chance of survival of the outpost population. Pulsatilla pratensis is not completely self incompatible, since artificial selfing produced a small amount of seed. However, spontaneous selfing does not occur. Pollination is accomplished by insects, almost exclusively bumble bees (Bombus spp.). Nectar thievery resulted when the bumble bee inserted its proboscis from outside the flower in between the tepals (base working). A comparison between the two populations indicates that pollinator scarcity at the time of flowering possibly might constitute a limiting factor for recruitment in the outpost population.
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