Studies on the role of ants in reproductive efficiency of three species of Phyllanthus L.

Three herbaceous species of Phyllanthus L. namely P. fraternus L., P. urinaria L. and P. simplex Retz. form overlapping populations in and around Jammu during April-October. All are monoecious and unique in placement of flowers beneath leaf axils. Flowers are small, nectariferous and not amenable to major pollinators. Ants are involved in pollen transfer in these species. Three species visit the plants, these belong to genus Camponotus and Monomorium. Although all the three plants species represent a typical case of ant-plant mutualism, they differ in their dependence on ants for successful fruit set. P. simplex is totally dependent on ants, while P. urinaria and P. fraternus take the help of wind also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]