Talk about Adaptability!!!

[Ray]

"Chameleon Vine" discovered in Chile that can change leaf shape and veining to match host tree.

 

[PaphMadMan]

I'm so glad this isn't an orchid. Any orchid taxonomist would have given it 5 different names, taken credit for naming 5 new species, and kept quiet about the mimetic properties.

 

[KyushuCalanthe]

Interesting, especially about the extreme decrease in herbivory for plants mimicking the tree. The life strategies that organisms use is almost beyond imagination.

 

[naoki]

It is WILD! I wonder if they are also chemically mimicking. Do herbivorous insects really use eyes to find their food?

 

[NYEric]

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

 

[Linus_Cello]

What would happen if this vine grew on a Japanese maple? Conifer? =)

 

[Erythrone]

Very interesting!