Variability in mating strategies in a widespread cactus in the Chihuahuan Desert

Opuntia is the most diverse and widespread genus in Cactaceae; several species have broad distribution ranges successfully adapted to distinct habitats. One explanation for their success diversity of reproductive systems. macrocentra one common North American deserts. A previous work on a northern population documented that this has mixed-mating system receives low frequency pollinators. In southern O. macrocentra, we described its floral visitors, anthesis schedules flower morphometry. Through controlled pollination experiments (selfing, outcrossing, supplementary pollen natural pollination), assessed breeding mating systems measured limitation. Eight different bee visited flowers. Based conduct, Diadasia rinconis Lasioglossum sp. were main Flowers homogamous herkogamous. Floral traits showed xenogamous self-incompatible. Fruit set pollination, outcrossing treatments not statistically different. Seed was higher limitation index seed negative. these results, conclude limited studied population. These results contrast with those previously population; therefore, caution about making generalizations based solely studies The displayed by may explain adaptation environmental factors, which be pollinator availability. Our highlight need describe ecology populations instead species, because ecological factors such as plant–animal interactions differ across range.