(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Nature’s Marvel: The Marvel of Deceptive Pollination — Aristolochia microstoma

(September-2023)

In the kingdom of plants, nature never ceases to amaze us with its remarkable creativity and extraordinary survival strategies. One such example is Aristolochia microstoma — a unique plant species with a purple-brown colour, native to the regions of Central Greece and Northern Peloponnesus.
At first glance, Aristolochia microstoma may appear ordinary, but its hidden mechanisms unravel a fascinating story of evolution and survival.
Its flowers exhibit a distinctive blooming pattern, as they tend to bloom close to the ground. This characteristic sets it apart from the majority of Aristolochia species, which have bold and easily visible flowers well above the ground.
The role of coffin flies in pollinating Aristolochia microstoma was investigated by researchers in a study through a series of experiments. Unlike many flowering plants that rely on visual cues or nectar to attract pollinators.