20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
The hidden beauty of the Pale Orchid
Orchis pallens, known as the Pale Orchid is the only yellow orchid of the genus Orchis. The flowers are large and beautiful and the petals have a velvety, soft touch. The Pale Orchid does not secrete any nectar. In order to attract pollinators, its strategies are exclusively based on deceit and mimicry. Flowering early, this clever orchid mimics the yellow colour of many neighbouring spring flowers, stealing their pollinators. Mimicry strategies are often employed by deceiving orchids, since one-third of all orchids do not secrete nectar to reward their pollinators (Orchids of Romania, by Nora De Angelli & Dan Anghelescu, 2020).
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 05.2020 |
Date Uploaded: | 11.2022 |
Photo Location: | Anina, Romania |
Copyright: | © Nora De Angelli |