In researching the genus Selenepedium, which also produces a Vanilla scented seed pod, I found reference to the use of vanilla pods to bait fruit bat traps. It seems that fruit bats in South America cannot resist the scent of vanilla. It therefore seems likely that South American fruit bats may eat and disperse seeds of Vanillae, and possibly Selenepedium. Further searches on this topic failed to reveal if any studies have been undertaken on this subject.
*********** > On the subject of Vanillae, you mentioned in a previous post : "the fruits > are aromatic, and would be quite attractive to animals as a food source." > That is an interesting point. > Do you have any reference that indicates that animals (excluding > humans...) > actually eat vanilla pods ? > Do you know of other orchids of any genus that are a food source for > animals ? > *********** > Regards, > > Viateur Lois Miller 3807 Oxford Common Fremont, CA 94536 (510) 793-4243 _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
