[Aroid-l] : Philodendron sagittifolium at female anthesis!

From: Steve at ExoticRainforest.com (ExoticRainforest) on 2008.06.07 at 04:26:42(17779) Just got this from Dr. Croat! Steve: The dots are glands that produce a nectar that attracts ant guards in the natural state. These ants feed off of the nectar and keep the phytofagus insects at bay. Thus it is a mutualistic association. Tom Someone tell me what is happening! This spathe of Philodendron sagittifolium opened this morning. There is a second right beside it opening tonight. These photos were taken at 9:30PM local time. There is a slight smell of mint to the pheromone and if your hand is in front of the spathe, but not touching, you can feel the thermogenetic heat. The red dots were not there this afternoon, but are clearly visible now. I have no idea what these are! Julius, Leland, Dr. Croat, anyone who knows! What are these, what is the purpose? Obviously no female flowers appear evident yet but I'll likely be up much of the night! Steve Lucas +More www.ExoticRainforest.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.gizmoworks.com/mailman/private/aroid-l/attachments/20080606/35321caa/attachment.htm

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