Page 28 - Biology - XII

Cannabis - fl owers Pines - fl owers Coconut - fl owers
Fig. 6.1: Anemophilous fl owers
Flowers adapted to pollination by insects are called entomophilous fl owers or insect-loving fl owers
(entomon-an insect).

Identifi cation
Adaptations in entomophilous fl owers to attract insects are—
1. Colour—The petals of the fl ower are bright in colour. If the petals are inconspicuous (small), other
parts (of plant) becomes brightly coloured.
2. Nectar—The fl ower secretes nectar in its nectary (a special gland) or spur (a special structure).

3. Scent—Most nocturnal fl owers are entomophilous and emit sweet scent at night when the colour is
not visible.
4. Special adaptation—When the fl owers are small and inconspicuous, they are collected together into
a dense infl orescence to become attractive and showy, e.g. sunfl ower, marigold.
Other entomophilous fl owers are—

Bougainvillea, Poinsettia, Jasmine, Yucca, Ficus, Salvia, Cosmos, Banana, Snapdragon, etc.

Bougainvillea - fl owers Jasmine - fl ower Salvia - fl owers

Cosmos - fl owers Banana - fl owers Snapdragon - fl owers
Fig. 6.2: Entomophilous fl owers

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