The beauty of deception: how does floral mimicry in Viola philippica mediate its self-protection compared to Viola patrinii?

Flowers, unique to angiosperms, are critical for plant evolution, development, and generational transmission. This study examined Viola philippica and Viola patrinii (Viola genus, dimorphic mixed mating system) to explore interactions between floral traits and pollination mechanisms, revealing ecological adaptation strategies and evolutionary relationships. Results: Viola philippica floral traits trigger conspecific territorial recognition in Celastrina oreas via mimicry, inducing significant avoidance and forming effective protective mimicry. The two species showed significant differences in nectar accumulation and pollen viability across 5 flowering stages (p<0.05). Both exhibited first increasing then decreasing stigma receptivity; pollen was oblong with reticulate exine. Their effective pollinator Apis mellifera ligustica peaked in pollination frequency at 10:00-12:00 (p<0.05). Pollen-ovule ratios and breeding system assessments indicated predominant cross-pollination, with Viola philippica’s mimicry further optimizing reproductive strategies for adaptive advantages in complex ecological competition.