3.5 Reproductive biology, distribution range and population size of A. cantabrica
Both pistils and stamens of A. cantabrica are situated within the corolla tube (Fig. 5A), which makes wind pollination highly improbable. Initially, the corolla exhibits a prominent yellow ring within the throat, which fades after pollination along with the pink of the corolla, serving as a signal to potential pollinators (Fig. 5B). This signalling contrasts with other Androsace species, where the colour change post-pollination is typically more pronounced transitioning to a deeper hue (Fig. 5C). Androsace cantabrica generally attracts various Hymenoptera and Diptera pollinators (Fig. 5D) and shows notable variation in peduncle length due to growth conditions: individuals growing amidst taller weeds and shrubs develop longer peduncles (Figs. 5E and F).