----- Original Message ----- From: "Martin Epstein" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Orchidguide digest" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2004 10:15 AM Subject: [OGD] Evolution and Speciation
> deleted > > Do orchids that escape in the wild jungles of Hawaii ever find a > substitute insect that does the job of their normal vector? Many > years ago I saw a number of Phalaenopsis on tree branches in > Asuncion, Paraguay, thoughtfully (or thoughtlessly) put there by > members of a local orchid society. I vaguely remember a couple of > seed pods on them. Did they originate with the ubiquitous toothpick, > or did a confused insect do the job? > > And how about the vector. The flowers are not always there for the > taking. Clearly they must philander around with other flowers when > there are none of their favorite orchids in bloom. What other kinds > of flowers do they favor? > > Then there is man and his toothpick (is this the universal tool for > this purpose). He selects plants which please him (don't insects do > the same thing?) and insures that they breed with who knows what. Is > this evolution by unnatural selection? > > More thoughts, anyone? > > Martin > ================ On the Hawaiian island of Maui, Spathoglottis plicata is found in lots of places on the windward side. It definitely is pollinated by something as most plants that are flowering have several seed pods forming on them. Here's a picture of a typical plant that someone pulled up: (URL is long and may wrap) http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/images/600max/html/starr_000919_8015_spathoglottis_plicata.htm Also in northeast Tennessee, Bletialla striata is also found to be commonly pollinated. I've never seen bees or butterflies on the flowers but have noticed ants on them. Perhaps this is the pollinater? David Sizemore Kingsport, TN (Zone 6a) _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
