Self- Pollination

Self pollination is not all that rare, but this newly discovered Chinese orchid appears to be an extreme case.

"The orchid produces no scent or nectar, and the researchers did not see a single instance of pollination by an insect or by wind.

"Instead, the pollen-bearing anther uncovers itself and rotates into a suitable position to insert into the stigma cavity, where fertilization takes place.

"This sexual relationship is so exclusive that flowers do not even transfer pollen to other flowers on the same plant, researchers found."