Aplectrum hyemale [pollination & insect interaction]

Putty Root Orchid [Aplectrum hyemale] showing an ant inside the flower. Putty Root is considered self pollinating as it does not produce nectar to attract insects. But insects, such as ants, can remove the anther cap while exploring the flower thus exposing the pollen. So insects, in this case an ant, can indirectly assist the pollination even if they don't directly directly transfer pollen to the stigma. Perry County, Pa. 5-17-24

Putty Root Orchid [Aplectrum hyemale] showing an ant inside the flower. Putty Root is considered self pollinating as it does not produce nectar to attract insects. But insects, such as ants, can remove the anther cap while exploring the flower thus exposing the pollen. So insects, in this case an ant, can indirectly assist the pollination even if they don't directly directly transfer pollen to the stigma. Perry County, Pa. 5-17-24

Putty Root Orchid [Aplectrum hyemale] showing an ant inside the flower. Putty Root is considered self pollinating as it does not produce nectar to attract insects. But insects, such as ants, can remove the anther cap while exploring the flower thus exposing the pollen. So insects, in this case an ant, can indirectly assist the pollination even if they don't directly directly transfer pollen to the stigma. Perry County, Pa. 5-17-24

Putty Root Orchid [Aplectrum hyemale] showing an ant inside the flower. Putty Root is considered self pollinating as it does not produce nectar to attract insects. But insects, such as ants, can remove the anther cap while exploring the flower thus exposing the pollen. So insects, in this case an ant, can indirectly assist the pollination even if they don't directly directly transfer pollen to the stigma. Perry County, Pa. 5-17-24

Putty Root Orchid [Aplectrum hyemale] showing an ant inside the flower. Putty Root is considered self pollinating as it does not produce nectar to attract insects. But insects, such as ants, can remove the anther cap while exploring the flower thus exposing the pollen. So insects, in this case an ant, can indirectly assist the pollination even if they don't directly directly transfer pollen to the stigma. Perry County, Pa. 5-17-24

Putty Root Orchid [Aplectrum hyemale] showing an ant inside the flower. Putty Root is considered self pollinating as it does not produce nectar to attract insects. But insects, such as ants, can remove the anther cap while exploring the flower thus exposing the pollen. So insects, in this case an ant, can indirectly assist the pollination even if they don't directly directly transfer pollen to the stigma. Perry County, Pa. 5-17-24