Darwin's orchid
When Darwin visited Madagascar during his voyage on the Beagle, he was intrigued by a large waxy white orchid with a nectar spur almost a foot long. How could such a flower be pollinated? He did not have the opportunity to find out by observation, but he guessed--correctly-- by an insect with a foot long proboscis. His theory was ridiculed. Twenty years later, a nocturnal moth was collected that had a wingspread of only 5-1/2 inches but a proboscis a foot lo ng . In honor of the fact that its existence had been predicted, it was named Xantophan morganii praedicta.
Xantophan morganii praedicta
Xantophan morganii praedicta
10 comments:
Have you seen one, T2 Bay? Where is Madagascar?
Not yet! Sa piktyur lang!
A giant orchid and a giant moth. Very interesting ha!
Very interesting indeed! This variety would be a welcome addition to my orchids collection.
This is very interesting. Hope na makakita ako ng ganyan kalaking orchids. I love orchids!
Ako rin! Pero di ko ipagpapalit ang mga orchids sa atin, lalo na ang Waling-Waling!
Very interesting site, Mr. Bay!
Pa-comment T2 Bay, bago piano practice.
How big is this orchid, T2?
Working OT! Just take a short relaxation time.
I wish to get a good shot of this big orchid, too!
Wow, this is great article! I wish to see this orchid one day!
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