| December 5, 2002 |
Previous | Next |
NOVA: Orchid Hunter
This  companion to the PBS show explains why the orchid is nature's most highly evolved plant, one that author Susan Orlean describes as possessing a "clever and unplantlike determination to survive." An orchid has several tricks up its stamen. For instance, the plant often fools insects into pollinating it by masquerading as another insect or as an enemy. Some orchids give off pretty scents and others emit the odor of rotting meat, which draws carnivorous bugs. Many orchids release perfume only at night to bring in nocturnal bugs, while others simply have nectar or colors so alluring that few insects can resist. View a select 15 of the over 25,000 species of orchids, including the Catasetum pileatum, which is pictured on Venezuela's currency and lasts only a few days. Learn about amateur scientists who, like orchid hunters, studied the fascinating flower despite their lack of formal training in the field. Even if you're not a floriculturist, we're sure you'll enjoy this ode to orchids. (in Botany) |
|
Email this Pick
Save to del.icio.us
Save to My Web
Digg This
|
|
|
|
|
