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flowers which can be pollinated by many species.
Insects cannot produce their own body heat, so must remain in warm air to move about. Consequently, most flowering plants are found in sun.
White flowers tend to be pollinated by moths, bats (in tropical regions) and flies. The magnolia, a primitive flower, is often pollinated by beetles. Its wide, flat flower makes it easy for the clumsy beetle to stumble around and contact the pollen.
Red tubes are perfectly suited to hummingbirds. The flower’s pollen is dusted onto the tops of their heads while they are slurping up nectar. The flowers stick straight out because the hummingbird doesn’t need to land.
Timing is another trait flowers exploit for successful pollination. Spring flowers don’t have to try as hard because pollinators are hungry from the winter and eager to try anything.
Summer is tougher competition. Pollinators are bombarded with choices so summer flowers tend to be taller, brighter and have stronger scents. Fall bloomers are the only game in town. They needn’t be as showy but provide lots of nourishment.
Overy concluded her talk by saying that everything we do in our gardens affects the balance between us and the pollinators. We should plant natives to match up with the native pollinators, not use pesticides or herbicides, encourage roadside and civic plantings and teach children about the fascinating relationships going on around them.
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