Hummingbird Pollination No. 3
Crawford County, PA. I’ve been enjoying watching this scene unfold in my yard. The Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) depends on the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) for pollination and is perfectly constructed for this relationship. As can be seen in this series of photos, when the hummingbird goes for the nectar within the flower, the top of its head brushes up against a tubular projection that can be either male or female (see photos 2 and 3). When male, this structure leaves a deposit of pollen on the head (see the yellow patch on the head in photo number 1 and the splash of pollen in number 4). When the structure is female, it receives the pollen from the bird’s head. Pretty amazing. Thanks for taking the time to look and add any comments or feedback.
Hummingbird Pollination No. 3
Crawford County, PA. I’ve been enjoying watching this scene unfold in my yard. The Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) depends on the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) for pollination and is perfectly constructed for this relationship. As can be seen in this series of photos, when the hummingbird goes for the nectar within the flower, the top of its head brushes up against a tubular projection that can be either male or female (see photos 2 and 3). When male, this structure leaves a deposit of pollen on the head (see the yellow patch on the head in photo number 1 and the splash of pollen in number 4). When the structure is female, it receives the pollen from the bird’s head. Pretty amazing. Thanks for taking the time to look and add any comments or feedback.