I spotted another exotic cloud orchid on my Saturday visit to Westerlay Orchids in Carpinteria. The one pictured above is a interesting mix of colors and to my eye it is beautiful. Others may consider it strange looking or unattractive. However Nature has a secret in this design to insure the plant's longevity.
Here is the secret to nature's software. Orchids are designed to survive by attracting the right insect or the right bird to pollinate it for its future offsprings. Every aspect of the design is calculated and accounted for. If a long billed bird is the intended pollinator than the cup/calyx of the orchid will be deeper to accomodate the long bill of the bird. The color combination and spots also aid the bird or insect in recognizing the flower as does the aroma if the flower has a scent. In the forest it differentiates it from the other flowers and sends a signal to be found by its look, shape and scent.
Happy Sunday, Cheers Ron & Alexandra
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