Cycad Plants "Woo" Insects With Heat, Odor - Plant Reproduction & Pollination

Cycad Plants "Woo" Insects With Heat, Odor
By Sara Goudarzi
for National Geographic News
October 4, 2007

A species of primitive cycad plant from Australia relies on a surprisingly sophisticated system of meting out food to ensure successful pollination.

These plants take an active role in their reproduction by selectively attracting and repelling small insects known as thrips, a new study shows.

Scientists had long thought that cycads were passively wind-pollinated.

But in a push-pull system, male cones of this "living fossil" species heat up and emit strong odors to send pollen-bearing insects fleeing.

Female cones then emit a more attractive perfume to lure the bugs back in.

Pollination accomplished.

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