Pterygodium cooperi narrow bracts

The long and thin floral bracts of Pterygodium cooperi are noticeable in the photo, growing from the stem at the base of each flower’s ovary.

The flowers that appear from midsummer to early autumn are strongly scented. Flowers secrete a non-volatile oil collected by Rediviva bees. These well-known oil gatherers unintentionally and unwittingly upload the pollinaria from the flower column as well upon departure. The itinerary is usually (and hopefully for the orchid), to the next flower of the same species as the bee meanders in its quest for food.

Pollination may then happen, according to the specific designs and needs of flower and bee. And all within the grand design of Nature (Pooley, 1998; www.eurekalert.org; www.africanorchids.dk).