Pollinating Orchids by Foot
Among many peculiar pollination strategies in the orchid family, some South African species really stand out. The small blooms of Disa chrysostachya offer nectar to entice Malachite Sunbirds to perch on their flower spikes and take a drink. But instead of attaching to their beaks as they feed, the pollen sticks to their claws. Then they fly to another flower spike, carrying the pollen, and fertilize the orchids with their feet. It’s certainly an unusual adaptation, even for an orchid.
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