Pollination and Fertilization 



167 



the stalk the stamens ready to discharge their pollen hang for- 

 ward below the style, whose three branches are closed like the 

 pages of a book. In the older flowers below, the anthers 

 which have discharged their pollen are drawn back by the dry- 

 ing of their filaments. The lobes of the stigma are unfolded 

 and hang down below the stamens. An insect in search of 

 honey sips and flies away, unconscious of the dust on its back, 

 or that this dust is brushed off on to the stigmas of other 



Fig. 164. — Antholyza revoluta^ Burm. 



flowers. When a stigma is well dusted the perianth withers 

 and closes, which prevents the pollen from getting brushed off. 

 This is a sign that the honey season is over, and no more insects 

 need apply. 



Antholyza has no noticeable markings on the brilliant 

 coloured perianth, as irregular flowers usuallyhave, advertising 

 their sweets. The upper petals are transparent, and the light 

 shining through brings into prominence the veining which may 



