This native Closed Bottle Gentian fascinates me. Its blooms remain tightly closed throughout its flowering season. Bumblebees work extremely hard to get to the nectar inside, and they don't hesitate. It looks excruciatingly difficult, but they manage to pry those closed petals apart enough to get inside. When the bee leaves, the corolla clasps closed again. Because it's hard work, and requires a certain amount of strength to get inside, not all insects can do it. Selective! Or picky?
The deep, dark purple color contrasts beautifully with the greens of late summer, and then later, complements the yellows and oranges of fall.
2 comments:
Fascinating observations. That pollen must be like nectar of the gods to the bees if they are so determined to get it. xoxo Shelley
Well I hope so, seeing as they have to put so much effort into getting it.
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