arcticshaun
Well-Known Member
A documentary (Buddha, Bees and the Giant Hornet Queen), featured a Japanese native orchid that a Buddhist monk used to attract native bees. It looked like a small Cymbidium and was scented to attract an attack by these bees which in turn pollinated the flower. I'd like to know if anyone can identify this species.
On another gardening show recently (The Secret Life of Gardens - Mimicry?), described the scent of a Brassia flower as being very unpleasant, like carrion (to attract flies). I don't have any and I've never actually smelled one in bloom but I was under the impression that they were somewhat pleasantly scented. I also thought the main floral adaptations of Brassia were to attract parasitic wasps to spiders (UV patterns?). Can anyone enlighten me on the secret life of Brassia?
Thanks,
Shaun
On another gardening show recently (The Secret Life of Gardens - Mimicry?), described the scent of a Brassia flower as being very unpleasant, like carrion (to attract flies). I don't have any and I've never actually smelled one in bloom but I was under the impression that they were somewhat pleasantly scented. I also thought the main floral adaptations of Brassia were to attract parasitic wasps to spiders (UV patterns?). Can anyone enlighten me on the secret life of Brassia?
Thanks,
Shaun