Demystifying Orchid Pollination Stories of Sex, Lies and Obsession

About this book

The fascinating natural history of orchids and the extraordinary means by which they reproduce. Author Adam P. Karremans reveals their hidden secrets, from the cruel obsession of sexual deception to sweet rewards and highlights the key role of pollinators such as bees, flies, moths and butterflies in securing the survival of these delicate plants. The book navigates the colourful factoids that most of us hold true about orchid reproduction and places them in the light of past and present scientific knowledge, showcasing their flowers as an evolutionary model with an intrinsic mystical element. Richly illustrated throughout with colour photographs. With sections named after famous songs and quotes sprinkled throughout the text, this is a truly engaging and fascinating read, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the fertilization of orchid flowers.

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Biography

Adam P. Karremans is a professor at the University of Costa Rica and director of Lankester Botanical Garden, specialising in neotropical orchids.