Eulophia ovalis subsp. ovalis flower

The fleshy texture of the sepal surfaces of this Eulophia ovalis subsp. ovalis flower shows both shiny surface cells and a greyish sheen caused by sunlight upon the otherwise dark surfaces.

The nearly white petals and lip bring colour contrast that may contribute to the flower being noticed before the dance of the pollinators is done. Petals and lip reach forward, as if eager to coax any passing insect into landing on the lip and wading through the papillae and ridges to the erect column, where unpaid work waits to be done.

All eulophias are deceivers, not serving any nectar at all. But insect mothers don’t teach caution regarding the flamboyant sales practices encountered in the big wide world. So the scam works and the seeds form as always.

To be more precise, almost always. At least in enough cases for subspecies survival. For now. And if this doesnt work, robust living always produces individual differences, spontaneous variation and the occasional mutation that might yield new adaptations for the plant to live in another way.

And this may involve unsuspecting new partners who may agree to unthinkably new deals that work for them. If there is no adequate reward or quid pro quo for the partners, they become employees. Or slaves.

Again, always? Well, nearly, or... For life is a strong force (Liltved and Johnson, 2012; Pooley, 1998).