Dramatic diversity of columbine flowers explained by a simple change in cell shape
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 - 22:30
in Biology & Nature
Columbine flowers are recognizable by the long, trailing nectar spurs that extend from the bases of their petals, tempting the taste buds of their insect pollinators. New research helps to explain how columbines have achieved a rapid radiation of approximately 70 species, with flowers apparently tailored to the length of their pollinators' tongues.