Dracunculus and Dogs
Tim Eck (Fri, 22 Jul 2016 10:07:40 PDT)
Interesting.
It seems it would be very detrimental to the plant and slightly detrimental to the animal if large animals could not distinguish the flower from real rotten flesh. Possibly one strong chemical and the lack of other associated decomposition chemicals tells large carrion eaters that it is a false signal, while flies don't process the information as well.
Around here, paw paws are pollinated by carrion flies and friends hang chicken necks on the branches to attract pollinators.
Tim
-----Original Message-----
From: pbs [mailto:pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of James Waddick
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2016 10:48 AM
To: Pacific Bulb Society
Subject: Re: [pbs] Dracunculus and Dogs
And Turkey Vultures…
A few years ago we had 3 or 4 Dracunculus in bloom at the same
time. We noticed a Turkey Vulture circling overhead - lower and lower.
Eventually one of them sort of crash landed near the clump, but took off right
away.
We were pretty certain he was targeting the Dracunculus even from
high in the sky.
Jim W.
Some time ago I mentioned something about the rotting meat smell of
dracunculus when in bloom and how odd it was that dogs totally ignored it.
Someone did offer an explanation but I cannot find it.
Anyone? An explanation / theory / suggestion - scientific or otherwise?
It's academic, in any case, as after years and years of dracunculus in my
garden it failed to show up this year.
Judy in New Jersey where summer has definitely arrive, hot and mostly humid
Dr. James Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd
Kansas City, MO 64152-2711
USA
Phone 816-746-1949
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