Even Plants Can Be Devious

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Seed bearing plants require the transfer of pollen to reproduce.  They have some fascinating ways of ensuring pollination occurs.  Many simply rely on the wind.  Because wind pollination is such a hit-and miss process, these plants produce enormous quantities of pollen to optimize the chances of some hitting the target.  Wind pollinated plants often have long stamens that hold the pollen-producing male part out, ready to catch every passing breeze.

Other plants rely on attracting insects to achieve pollination.  The chief means of attracting these insects is to offer sweet nectar.  Hungry insects receive a generous dusting of pollen as they probe to enjoy a meal.  Flowers advertise the availability of food with colours and patterns of lines or spots on the petals.  These tactics are designed to lead insect visitors through the pollen to the nectar.

Many flowers use scent as an added attraction, especially night blooming species that are hard to find.  Some plants resort to trickery to lure male insects by using scents that match the mating odours of females.  Some orchids look so much like female insects that males actually attempt to mate with them, pollinating the flowers in the process.  Others use traps.  A vase-like chamber holds insects captive with downward pointing hairs until pollination occurs.

So next time you see a flower, remember that even plants can be devious.