Chinese scientists have discovered an orchid growing in harsh conditions defies gravity to twist its male sexual organs 360 degrees to fertilize its female organ.
Unlike other self-pollinating plants, the orchid doesn't appear to use sticky fluids or other methods to ensure the pollen reaches the egg. The flower still has signs of features for cross-pollination, but it no longer secretes nectar or odour to use them.
Instead, the pollen-bearing anther uncovers itself and rotates through 360 degrees to insert pollen into its female cavity, the stigma.
The Holcoglossum amesianum orchid is shown in its natural habitat during the flowering season. (Courtesy of LaiQiang Huang, Tsinghua University Graduate School at Shenzhen)
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