Vol, 1X, Nos, 8-9.] The Pollination of Colocasia Antiquorum. 315 
[NV.8.] 
above and passing downwards reach the pistillate flowers, 
where they are imprisoned until the pollen is ready for 
disposal. In the Kachu the lower part of the spathe delib- 
erately opens zai closes to capture the flies, and again opens 
above to release them. The floral mechanism of the Kachu 
differs thavetors Hon that of the cuckoo-pint 
n Arum maculatum the primary attraction is the thick, 
dasiemiedie end of the spadix which projects out of the spathe 
ata very early stage, and the subordinate attraction is the 
decomposing smell of the inflorescence. In the colocasia the 
primary attraction is the strong and unpleasant odour issuing 
out of the partially opened spathe in the first stage, and the 
subordinate attraction, the colour - the appendage and the 
food for the flies. in the form of po 
During the rains when the se is very damp the upper 
part of the spadix while still attached es the plant commences 
the minute maggots of these flies. It seems, therefore, that 
the me of a flies, which have been identified in the Indian 
us ecies of Acalytrate Muscidae, is closely 
pater with that of the Kachu for the purposes of cross- 
pollination. 
BAB PDP 
