New observations of the terrestrial holoparasite Chlamydophytum aphyllum Mildbr. and its consumption by bonobos at Kokolopori, Democratic Republic of Congo
Auteurs:Georgiev, Alexander V.; Lokasola, Albert L.; Nkanga, Leonard; Lokondja, Antoine; Nsala, Jean; Likenge, Jacques; Ilanga-Bomanga, Antoine; Likenge, Jean-Pierre
Année de publication:2009
Date de publication:2009-10
Little is known about the life history of many Balanophoraceae, a mostly tropical family of holoparasitic angiosperms. This is particularly true for Chlamydophytum aphyllum, that has been described on the basis of only four specimens collected from three locations in West⁄ Central Africa (Molau, 1995). What little information exists on its ecology can be found in Halle (1978) and Hansen (1986). Kuijt (1969) speculated, on the basis of reproductive morphology, that frugivorous animals may act as seed dispersers but no observations of such an interaction are yet available. Here we present new data on the period of flowering of C. aphyllum and provide a short report on the occasional consumption of this plant by bonobos (Pan paniscus) at Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This is only the fourth and eastern-most locality for which the presence of Chlamydophytum has been established in Africa and the first report of this plant as a food item for a great ape species.