The mutualistic relationship between Gastrodia foetida and its pollinator. (IMAGE)
Caption
The mutualistic relationship between Gastrodia foetida and its pollinator, both of which primarily feed on mushrooms. The flowers emit a mushroom-like smell that lures the flies in. As the flies feed on the flowers, pollen grains attach to their backs (1). When the fly leaves one flower and visits another to lay eggs, the attached pollen comes into contact with the stigma, completing pollination (2). After successful pollination, the flower starts to decay and internally hatched larvae begin consuming the petals (3). The larvae grow further by consuming the petals that have fallen to the ground (4). Approximately one week later, they emerge as adults.
Credit
ANSAI Shun
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Credit must be given to the creator.
License
CC BY