The genus Prepusa Martius is endemic to montane regions of Brazil and comprises only six species, most of them endangered. Although studies on reproductive biology are necessary to increase knowledge of this genus and to implement conservation plans, to date, no such studies have been conducted. This study assessed the floral biology, breeding system, and pollinators of Prepusa hookeriana, an endangered species of high-altitude grasslands. We perform field observations and manual pollination experiments. Certain floral traits of this species appear to be associated with hummingbird pollination, although ornithophily is unusual in Gentianaceae. Even though cross-pollination is favoured by the presence of movement herkogamy and protandry, both prior and delayed autonomous self-pollination were observed. The only pollinator observed was the hummingbird Amazilia versicolor. Prepusa hookeriana did not show pollen limitation in the year of study. The absence of pollen limitation is related to the high reproductive success of pollination due to visits, not to autonomous self-pollination. However, we share the idea that the ability of autonomous selfing can provide a backup to cope with occasional pollination failures.

中文翻译：

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Prepusa hookeriana（龙胆科）的生殖生物学：巴西高海拔草原的濒危物种

Prepusa Martius 属是巴西山地地区的特有种，仅包括 6 种，其中大部分已濒临灭绝。尽管对生殖生物学的研究对于增加对该属的了解和实施保护计划是必要的，但迄今为止，尚未进行此类研究。本研究评估了高海拔草原濒危物种 Prepusa hookeriana 的花卉生物学、繁殖系统和传粉媒介。我们进行实地观察和人工授粉实验。该物种的某些花卉特征似乎与蜂鸟授粉有关，尽管在龙胆科中不常见鸟类。尽管异花授粉受雌雄同体和先天性运动的青睐，但仍观察到先行和延迟的自主自花授粉。观察到的唯一传粉者是蜂鸟 Amazilia versicolor。Prepusa hookeriana 在研究年份没有表现出花粉限制。没有花粉限制与由于访问而授粉的高繁殖成功率有关，而不是与自主自花授粉有关。然而，我们同意自主自交的能力可以提供备用以应对偶尔的授粉失败。