When Reddit user Octopus Prime posted a picture of an unusual plant, the internet buzzed with excitement. Resting in someone's hand, a flower appeared to be a delicate Hummingbird crafted from origami. The captivating image left everyone curious about the plant's origin and the evolutionary advantage of its bird-like appearance. Fortunately, Reddit user SolitaryBee, a postdoctoral researcher specializing in flower evolution, provided some valuable insights.The plant in question is called the green birdflower or regal birdflower. Scientifically named Crotalaria cunninghamii, it belongs to the legume family, which also includes familiar plants like chickpeas and alfalfa. This perennial shrub is native to the inland areas of northern Australia, thriving in sandy dunes. Interestingly, although the flower resembles a hummingbird, there are no hummingbirds in Australia.While many assumed the bird-like shape was an example of evolutionary adaptation, SolitaryBee explained that this is not the case. "The resemblance to a bird couldn't have evolved adaptively because humans, as observers, do not play a role in increasing the plant's fitness or survival," SolitaryBee commented. “Unless indigenous Australians bred or cultivated it for its appearance, which seems unlikely.”While Aboriginal Australians valued the plant, it wasn't for its ornamental quality, which would have been considered wasteful. Instead, they utilized the green birdflower for its medicinal properties, using it as an eyewash to treat infections. The flower's unique form is a result of a common feature found in many legumes, known as Papilionaceous flowers. These blooms typically have five irregular petals with a prominent upper petal called a banner. Charles Darwin suggested that this unusual shape evolved in response to pressure from bee pollinators. However, it doesn’t mean bees perceive the flowers as birds. If they did, the species likely wouldn’t have thrived.It's improbable that any animal, aside from humans, would mistake the flower for a bird. What people experience when viewing this image is an example of simulacrum. Much like how trompe-l'œil art tricks the mind, our eyes perceive the flowers as resembling something they are not. If you're intrigued, explore more photos of Crotalaria cunninghamii, the legume with flowers shaped like hummingbirds.
Flowers
Yayınlanma: 06 October 2024 - 22:20
This Fascinating Plant Has Bird-Shaped Flowers That Resemble Hummingbirds
The Crotalaria cunninghamii, or green birdflower, boasts striking blossoms that resemble tiny hummingbirds. Although its bird-like form captivates viewers, its shape results from natural flower anatomy, not an adaptive evolutionary process. Indigenous Australians prized the plant for its medicinal uses rather than its ornamental value.
Flowers
06 October 2024 - 22:20