Cattleya Deconstructed.
Form follows function in architecture, however, aesthetics catch the eye. The lower petal evolved over millions of years to provide a hi-viz bee landing pad.
Exquisite design but its all show for the bees.
Cattleya Cool
Male and female Cattleya parts are housed in a beautifully streamlined structure typical of orchids, the tower.
Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii, I think.
My plant recognition app identified this cactus. The flower opened incompletely in the late afternoon sun. It wasn’t the first small Gymnocalycium plant that has failed to open fully for me.
After a quick read through articles by “cactus people” the phrase “incomplete opening” cropped up a few times.
The Great Slipper Orchid Scam.
Pollinating the slipper orchid is a tale of deceit and occasionally death for an unsuspecting pollinator.
Despite this plant’s allure, it’s a complete scam for winged visitors, clever advertising but no product. Paphiopedilum Inca Harvest rely on their appearance to attract pollinators and don’t waste time producing nectar or essential oils.
Just an anemonic monday.
Anemonies have a story