Gladiolus ecklonii rolling out the nectar guides

The flowers of Gladiolus ecklonii grow in one rank. This feature is called secund, meaning they all face in the same direction. Maybe this simplifies matters for pollinators wont to losing their way. Behind the open flowers, the purple keels on the erect bracts in picture match the corolla dots in colour, or nearly so.

In profile the seemingly shy flowers appear not to seek attention. Stand-offish as they may be, their obliquely funnel-shaped modesty cannot conceal the multitude of colourful corolla spots. In spite of a perceived absence of invitation, ample landing space is significantly provided on the protruding lower tepal tips in picture.

Creamy nectar guides on these lower tepals confirm this preparedness for pollination visitations, although the flowers do not offer aromatic invitations, those fragrant scents that make so many flowers irresistible. This shortcoming may point at the fact that the flowers don’t aim to attract moths: They all close around sunset for the night.

There is, however, copious nectar secreted in the base of each corolla tube. This is easily accessed by long-tongued bees, adapted to dine from these comparatively short flower tubes (Manning, 2009; Goldblatt and Manning, 1998; iNaturalist).