Aristolochia baetica

Dutchman's Pipe - a poisonous perennial vine that imprisons insects unharmed. It attracts small insect by its pungent aroma. Once they enter the throat of the pipe fine hairs point downwards so there is only one way for the insect. They bring with them pollen which rub on the stigma lobes. The flower feeds the insect from within with nectar. There is no escape until the flower begins to shrivel and the prisoners can escape uninjured. Amazing. Photographed at Parque Municipal do Sítio das Fontes flowering in April.

John Foss Nature Photography Birds Wild Flowers Wildlife Butterflies Moths Greaghnafarna Ballinaglera Ireland Leitrim Derby England UK Algarve Portugal