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Image Title: Lemon-scented Sun Orchid, Thelymitra antennifera Relies on Deceit to Attract Pollinators
Image Credit: Paul J. Kores, University of Oklahoma
AJB Editor: Karl Niklas, Cornell University
Intended End User: Teacher, Student
License Details: BSA - Terms for Image Use
Copyright held by: BSA,
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About the Image

Lemon-scented sun orchid, Thelymitra antennifera. Members of Thelymitrinae rely on deceit to attract pollinators. This species blooms at the same time as a similar lilioid flower that offers a reward. The generalized floral morphology seen in Thelymitra probably represents the plesiomorphic state for Diurideae, but members of the subtribe often have highly modified columns adorned with brush-like appendages to assist in pollen presentation, a simple form of which can be seen in this species.

Link to the AJB Abstract for the article:

A phylogenetic analysis of Diurideae (Orchidaceae) based on plastid DNA sequence data

National Science Foundation  Development Supported by the National Science Foundation