A tropical plant trading food for sex

US biologists report that the Australian cycad, a primitive tropical plant with large seed cones, uses a novel “pull-push” method to manipulate the tiny flying insects that it relies on for pollination : it can release toxic odors and even rise the temperature to ensure pollinisation.The insects tend to congregate in the male cones where they feed and make their homes — but at a certain time of day, the plant will heat up and emit a toxic order, repelling the insects.The pollen-laden insects then fly to the neighbouring or surrounding female cones which are emitting a more attractive odor, where they pollinate the female plant’s eggs.

This is a remarkable example of collaboration between a plant and an animal. “Pollen is the only thing these thrips eat, so they totally rely on the plants. And the thrips are the only animals that pollinate the plants.” said Robert Roemer, a co-author of the paper in the journal Science.

A video of the trips on a cycad’s seed cone :

More about cycads :

~ by elevenbears on October 13, 2007.