Plantwatch: the Natal crocus co-opts fire, bees and ants to reproduce
Perhaps the biggest surprise is that it tricks ants into moving its seeds with a scent that mimics their larvae
TL;DR
- The Natal crocus uses fire, bees, and ants for reproduction.
- Its white flowers bloom after fires, attracting bee pollinators with a sweet scent.
- Developing fruits remain underground for six months until mature.
- Ants disperse the seeds, attracted by a scent mimicking ant larvae.
- Ants carry the seeds to their nests, mistaking them for their own offspring.