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Buzz pollination involves the release of pollen from, primarily, poricidal anthers through vibrations generated by certain bee species. Despite previous experimental and numerical studies, the intricacies of pollen dynamics within vibrating anthers remain elusive due to the challenges in observing these small-scale, opaque systems. This research employs the discrete element method to simulate the pollen expulsion process in vibrating anthers. By exploring various frequencies and displacement amplitudes, a correlation between how aggressively the anther shakes and the initial rate of pollen expulsion is observed under translating oscillations. This study highlights that while increasing both the frequency and displacement of vibration enhances pollen release, the rate of release does not grow linearly with their increase. Our findings also reveal the significant role of pollen–pollen interactions, which account for upwards of one-third of the total collisions. Comparisons between two types of anther exits suggest that pore size and shape also influence expulsion rates. This research provides a foundation for more comprehensive models that can incorporate additional factors such as cohesion, adhesion and Coulomb forces, paving the way for deeper insights into the mechanics of buzz pollination and its variability across different anther types and vibration parameters.
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Paraphlomis jinggangshanensis (Lamiaceae), a new species from Jiangxi, China
Paraphlomis jinggangshanensis (Lamiaceae), a new species from Jiangxi Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to P. intermedia , but can be easily distinguished from the latter by its cordate leaf base ( vs. cuneate, decurrent), stem and calyx tube with glandular hairs ( vs. short pubescent), and glabrous anthers ( vs. ciliate anthers). A phylogenetic analysis, based on ITS regions, suggests that P. jinggangshanensis represents a separate branch in Paraphlomis and is closely related to Clade II. It is currently known only from Jinggangshan National Natural Reserve. Because of its limited distribution and small population size, the species was assessed as Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2101884
- PAR ID:
- 10444710
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- PhytoKeys
- Volume:
- 204
- ISSN:
- 1314-2011
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 1 to 8
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.204.87654
