The Comet Orchid

[Tindomul]

Here is an interesting Orchid that caught my eye on a nature program, not to sure which one. Angraecum sesquipedale
The Comet Orchid is also known as Darwin's Orchid becuase its got a long spur hanging down and curved backwards. Now the interesting thing is that there is only 1 moth around that has a proboscis long enough to drink the nectar from this spur (Xanthopan morgani predicta) the hawkmoth, and therefore it is the only means by which this Orchid can be fertilized, at least without human intervention.
Darwin surmized that there must be a moth that can do this, though he didnt live to know it, he was right. A very classical illustration of coevolution!!! Here are a few pics, and a link to where I got the info:

http://www.heres-yourhome.com/Orchid...86,c42218.html







The following pic is not the Comet Orchid, but it is an orchid luring the moth with its strong scent the same way that the hawkmoth is lured to the comet orchid:


Hope you all liked this little tid bit.