Flower orientation in Gloriosa superba (Colchicaceae) promotes cross-pollination via butterfly wings

摘要

Background and Aims Complex modifications of angiosperm flowers often function for precise pollen placement on pollinators and to promote cross-pollination. We explore the functional significance of the unusually elaborate morphology of Gloriosa superba flowers, which are divided into one hermaphrodite meranthium and five male meranthia (functional pollination units of a single flower).