This flower is called the bee orchid because it looks like a bumble bee. Some might say this plant has evolved to look like a bee to encourage male bumble-bees to try and mate with it and so spread pollen; others might claim the resemblance is purely coincidental and the connection is man-made based purely on appearance rather than botanical development. It is true that they can be pollinated by bees but personally I cannot believe any self-respecting male bumble-bee would mistake this flower head for the real thing!
The bee orchid is always a welcome sight as it brings variety and a bit of excitement to botanical walks in summer! There is an unusual sub-species known as the wasp orchid that occurs on the Purbeck cliffs but I have never seen one.
Comments
Post a Comment