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Private Life of Plants, The (1995)
 

Synopsis

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Explores the variety of different ways that plants pollinate. Hazels have separately growing stamens and stigmas and rely on wind for pollination. Most flowering plants, however, have stigmas and stamens arranged in the same flower and are pollinated by insects, birds and animals attracted by petal colours, mimicry and scent. Examples featured include the traveller's palm, found only in Madagascar, which has stiff, pointed flowers with nectar that is only accessible to the black lemur. Bizarre orchids that mimic the appearance and scent of bees and wasps, and the Amorphophallus titanum, found in the remote jungles of Sumatra, which produces a seven foot tall bloom, that gives off the stench of dead fish to attract pollinating insects are also featured.