Thursday, June 22, 2006

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."

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

here:

http://www.orchidspecies.com/vandaamesiana.htm

-margory

Anonymous said...

I know some people like that

Steve Bodio said...

I'll see if Matt can capture the image-- thanks!