We are surrounded by hundreds of species of plants, full of bright and fragrant flowers. We are so used to them that we do not even think about the fact that their life is the result of an amazing interaction with the external environment - insects, wind, water and birds. For seed plants, pollination is necessary; without it, they will not be able to continue their genus and be fully realized. As a result of evolution, representatives of the flora have found many ways to transfer pollen. For pollination to be successful, pollen from a stamen must land on the stigma of another flower of the same species.
Wind pollinated plants
About 20% of flowering plants on our planet are pollinated by wind. The structure of their flowers is ideally suited for this process, as is the flowering time. In most cases, wind-pollinated plants bloom in the spring, before the first leaves begin to bloom. This choice is not accidental, as the foliage makes the laborious process of wind pollination even more difficult, leaving the poor fellows too little chance to reproduce.
Wind pollinated plants usually grow in large groups to make it easier for them to complete their difficult task. Their flowers are not distinguished by either bright juicy colors or a strong alluring aroma. They are small in size and are collected in large inflorescences. The stamens of wind-pollinated flowers hang down and usually have hairs that trap flying pollen. Also, a special adhesive liquid can be used for these purposes. Wind pollinated plants have dry, light pollen that is smooth in shape so that the wind can easily pick it up and carry it away.
Insect pollinated plants
Their flowers are the exact opposite of wind pollinated flowers. They are brightly colored and have a strong aroma. All this is necessary so that insects can notice a flower that hides a treasured delicacy in its depths. The summer variety of flowers clearly demonstrates the variety of tricks that plants use to attract pollinating insects. Insect-pollinated and wind-pollinated plants serve completely different purposes. That is why they differ so much in their structure. Most flowers that are considered beautiful look like this so that they can be easily seen from the air and distinguished from others.
Another way to attract insects is fragrance. Different insects like completely different smells. So, for example, bees and bumblebees love sweet floral scents that people like so much. Another thing is flies that prefer the aroma of rotting meat. Therefore, flowers pollinatedflies, exude such unpleasant putrid odors.
Amazing harmony
Pollination of plants is an incredibly important thing, thanks to which our ecosystem exists. Insects do this not for the common good, they are only looking for the nectar they feed on. And noble plants are ready to provide them with food, but in return they soil the body of an insect with pollen so that it brings it to another flower. For this, the most ingenious and incredible systems created by nature are used. Some plants even hold pollinators hostage inside the flower until they get enough pollen. Different plants are pollinated by different types of insects, which is due to the design of their flowers. Color is also of great importance, so white flowers are pollinated mainly at night. The color helps moths notice them, as does the scent they only emit after sunset.
Wind-pollinated plants are no less interesting. Their pollen is not spent very economically, spreading over vast distances in order to fulfill its important mission. But wind-pollinated plants are many agricultural crops. But they certainly have no problems with pollination, since their crops cover entire hectares. Wherever the pollen flies, it will surely hit the target. In the wild, wind pollinated plants also grow in clusters, but unfortunately not as numerous.
Self-pollination
Self-pollination is the process in which pollen from the stamen of a flower falls on its pistil. Oftenthis happens even before the flower opens. This phenomenon became a forced move due to the fact that some plant species did not have the opportunity to cross-pollinate. Over time, this feature has become fixed, becoming a constant for many colors. Self-pollination is especially common among agricultural crops, but some wild plants also reproduce in this way.
However, self-pollination is not a unique feature of one species, an ordinary plant can resort to its help if there is no one to pollinate it. Also, self-pollinating flowers can be cross-pollinated if given the opportunity.
Amazing flowers
Now you know which plants are wind pollinated and which are pollinated by insects. As it turned out, side by side with us there is a whole wonderful world in which everything is closely interconnected. A world where the disappearance of one small bug can lead to the death of many species. Plants have amazing adaptability. Some flowers can only be pollinated by one type of insect, as their nectar is buried very deep. Others build a reliable defense against unwanted guests who want to feast on their nectar. For example, thorns or hairs on the stems of many flowers that prevent ants from reaching desired prey. The world of plants is a world of harmony and practicality. We are very fortunate that we were able to partake of its beauty even a little.
