20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Tall Bird Orchid
Endemic to Tasmania the Tall Bird Orchid (Chiloglottis gunnii) are quite a small plant living in wet forest environments. Each species of Chiloglottis orchid are pollinated by the male of a different species of wasp who are drawn to the orchid by pheromones. The small shiny bumps, called calli, mimic a wingless female. In an attempt to fly off with "their" female the male comes into contact with the overhanging column thereby depositing or collecting pollen...quite ingenious!!
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 12.2021 |
Date Uploaded: | 11.2022 |
Photo Location: | nearest city - Hobart Tasamnia, Australia |
Copyright: | © Bronwen Gunning |