Abstract
IN connection with Prof. Groom's article on the pollination of exotic flowers (November 10, 1904, p. 26) the following notes may be of interest. The inflorescence of Marcgravia Umbellata is described in Schimper's “Plant Geography,” where Belt's description is quoted from the “Naturalist in Nicaragua.” The plant is common here, climbing to the summit of the forest trees, and is frequently visited by humming birds. The bird settles on the top of the flowers and inserts its long curved beak into the pitchers below to suck the sweet juice which they contain. I have not seen insects visiting the flowers, neither have I found them in the pitchers, and conclude that the birds are attracted by the sweet juice itself rather than by insects in search of it as Belt suggests.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
BRYANT, E. The Pollination of Exotic Flowers. Nature 71, 249 (1905). https://doi.org/10.1038/071249a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/071249a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.