genus Aristolochia
birthworts, pipevines, Dutchman's pipes, Virginia Snakeroot
Toxic:
Aristolochic acid
Urological carcinogen
Nephropathy, Renal failure
DutchMan's Pipe
|
Wes
2009.NOV.07
at HorseShoe Lake
The red portion of the flower reflects into the ultraviolet.
Flies can see ultraviolet. They zero in from hundreds of yards away.
And once there, they have a nice landing platform. They also relish the putrid smell.
At the top of the bell is light from a transparent section. The flies naturally
fly up where they mate and gather pollen. The flies gather and swirl there, happily inside, all day.
Seemingly, the plant was made just for them.
