A. John, An enthusiasm for orchids: sex and deception in plant evolution

摘要

Spring arrives in western Australia by the end of August and the shrubby vegetation is colorful and richly perfumed. Some native orchids, though, are brownish or dull-maroon in color, the human nose fails to pick up any fragrance. The strange shapes of the flowers give them such common names as warty hammers (Drakaea), flying ducks (Paracaleana), lazy spiders (Caladenia) and elbow orchids (Arthrochilus). While we smell nothing, these orchids release odors irresistible to many species of wasps. The winged males mistake sculptures and patterns on the lip petals for the bodies of virginal and wingless females. As a lovesick insect backs out of the flower, a plug of sticky pollen globs is deposited on his back.