Peter who said: > Many authors have noted that when an orchid species progressively > colonises its way from island to island across the ocean, an > autogamous form often leads the way.
Very interesting, Peter!! Epipactis helleborine, a European species, can be found in many locations in North America and it is autogamous. Assuming that these plants started from seeds carried on the belongings or shoes of immigrants, did these seeds come from autogamous plants in Europe, or from non-autogamous plants and the total absence of pollinators in NA triggered them into autogamy? Is it known what exactly triggers autogamy? Would total absence of pollinators be a trigger? Are both, autogamous and pollinator dependent, forms of Epipactis helleborine found in European habitats or colonies where pollinators are still plenty? How about other species? What is the natural pollinator of Epipactis helleborine in Europe?
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