The secret world of orchids

suaz Western Australian Spider Orchids

Eight-inch petals dancing in the breeze! (Ooh, in the breeze!) Swaying in the wind to do what they please! (Yeah, do what they please!)

artiteacher Visual tricksters of the meadow

Just a fake female wasp on a hinge to swing you into my pollen.

artiteacher Australia's bizarre flying duck orchids

Jul 10

suaz I had no idea that almost ten percent of all flower species are orchids!

I can't believe Australia has an orchid that looks just like a flying duck!

suaz Discover the wild flying duck orchid (Caleana major) of Australia, a unique flower resembling a tiny purple duck in flight.

Fun Fact

Sticky pollinia: Deceptive meadow orchids use visual tricks to lure bugs, gluing these specialized, gluey pollen packets onto fooled insects.

Glossary

Ophrys insectifera (noun)
A European fly orchid that mimics the shape and scent of female digger wasps to trick males into pollinating it. This botanical con artist shows how deceptive visuals drive evolution.

Gossip

Which plant trick is coolest?

Quiz

In 1862, which famous scientist published a groundbreaking book about how orchids are pollinated by insects?

artiteacher The fly orchid's glistening deception

Jul 10

artiteacher The flying duck orchid uses a spring-loaded trap triggered by the weight of a male sawfly.

artiteacher Fly orchids use shiny patches to mimic the reflective wings of resting female digger wasps.

Fun Fact

Orchid variety: With over 28,000 species, orchids make up about 8% of all flowering plants on Earth.