That is amazing! I didn't know Dr. Arditti's ego was so large it actually needed to occupy two bodies. At least this information is useful.
Steve Paul> This entire line of speculation is nothing more, at least with regard Paul> to Coryanthes. Simple entomological information is all that is needed. Paul> If the scientific papers and books discussing Coryanthes ecology are Paul> consulted one will find the continued reference to species of Paul> Coryanthes growing upon ant nests, not ant nests forming amongst the Paul> roots; though this sequence or option is not firmly established. Ants Paul> are opportunists and many species would be expected to occupy a Paul> collection of leaf litter and compost accumulated amongst roots, of any Paul> plant. [Example: only two days ago I found an ant nest among the Paul> compost covered roots of a large Stelis sp. growing on a dead Paul> side-trunk of an Inga edula growing as a shade tree over coffee at ca. Paul> 1900 m in the Nor Yungas of Bolivia - the ants were rather pissed that Paul> I disturbed their home!] [If you prefer another example, how about the Paul> little ant nest among the leaf litter and compost covered roots and Paul> pseudobulbs of a specimen of a Gongora sp., which happens to be growing Paul> at the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica (I found that one in Paul> February)] [Or, how about the numerous ant nests commonly found in the Paul> moss and lichens on branches of trees well endowed with orchids, Paul> bromeliads, and other epiphytes, none of which are ant symbiotes.] Paul> Further, there is not a symbiotic relationship as assumed in the Paul> uncritical popular literature, but rather a mutualistic one; the ants Paul> are simply taking advantage of a nesting site resource and the plants Paul> are simply taking advantage of a reliable nutrient source, until shown Paul> otherwise. The eliasome/"extra floral nectary" scenario of ants and Paul> Coryanthes is not unique, but is mirrored among many plant/ant Paul> associations. The fact that Coryanthes can be cultivated sans ants Paul> belies symbiosis speculations. Any upward directed roots are more Paul> likely following a potential nutrient source; species of Stanhopea will Paul> do similar growths, even in cultivation (at least mine do so). Follow Paul> the data and use reasonable corollaries. Without it speculation is Paul> akin to the oxymoronic intelligent design ranting. Paul> Paul Paul> On 07 Apr 2005, at 06:17 PM, Marquis & Jennifer Hodes wrote: >> Peter O'Byrne, in orchid expert mode, opined in OGD V7#184: >> >>> That is precisely what I had in mind. The ants do indeed nest >>> underneath and around the plant's main roots, which must surely reduce >>> the amount of water the plant receives. It is interesting that so many >>> people report their cultivated plants flowering without forming >>> catch-roots; this rather suggests that the plant makes catch-roots in >>> response to ant nests, not vice-versa, although in Acriopsis >>> liliifolia the root-structure seems designed to accomodate an ant's >>> nest. >> >> Or, perhaps, it is the water-at-the-roots that rules. If the ants >> prevent too much >> Water from getting to the roots, and the plant, in response to the >> anhydrosis, throws >> Up catch-roots, then this phenomenon may be seen in the greenhouses of >> chronic >> Under-waterers and the absence of catch-roots might be seen in the >> greenhouses of >> Those who provide adequate (or excessive?) water. >> >> Can we have a poll? Answer the following two questions: (if you grow >> any of the plants >> mentioned as producing catch-roots) >> 1. Do your plants exhibit catch root production? >> 2. Are you a chronic over/under/justright waterer? >> If the answers are sent to me I will tabulate and report ��� this may >> keep the list from being cluttered with too many ���1. yes / 2. >> under��� type messages. >> >> Thanks in advance to any who participate. >> >> Marquis Z. Hodes, MD, PhD >> Currently in bloom: Galeandra stangeana, Galeandra pubicentrum, >> Phaius tankervilliae and some orange Cattleya hybrid my kids bought >> (it is contagious!). >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) >> [email protected] >> http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com >> Paul> _______________________________________________ Paul> the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) Paul> [email protected] Paul> http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
