2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Among forest orchids, shoes, unusual in structure, stand out. In Europe, they are considered a difficult crop to grow. Due to the warm winter weather, they start to grow prematurely. In the conditions of Russia, they tolerate cold conditions well. What is the structure of an unusual flower?
Biological features
The rhizome is branched, rigid, and shortened. Stems, depending on the species, are 20-50 cm tall. They are pubescent with glandular hairs. In the middle, 3-4 elliptical sheets are spirally placed with a sharpness at the top.
The large inflorescence consists of 1-3 buds, emitting a pleasant, faint aroma of vanilla sweetness. The two side petals are narrow, diverging to the sides. Lower - forms a "lip" with a closed cavity inside. Upper - like a lid covers the "house" from excess moisture, sunlight. In the middle are hidden stamens with a pistil.
The color of the petals varies from species: pale pink, bright crimson, yellowish, brownish, white. Spotting is sometimes present. The buds bloom in mid-May. They continue to please the eye for 2-3 weeks. With successful pollination, elongated capsule fruits are formed, ripening by the end of summer.
Pollination method, collection of seeds
The process of setting seeds is interesting. Small flying insects are engaged in pollination: beetles, flies, bees. Bright coloring, pleasant aroma - attract connoisseurs of beauty.
In early May, buds emerge at the ends of the shoot. A week later, the inflorescences-traps open in full glory. The fluttering "elves" sit on the smooth edge of the "pocket", slide down the slippery "slide" into the cavity. Trying to get out, they notice two gaps on the sides. They are directed in the direction indicated by nature, first touch the stigma, fertilizing the flower with the material brought from another specimen. Then they touch the anthers, collecting a new portion of the male semen.
Not all insects come out of the "trap" safely. By studying plants, biologists have found pollinators inside the flower. Predatory yellow mizumena spiders use shoes as bait. They watch for their prey at the entrance, deftly placing nets over the hole.
Fertilized specimens wither quickly after 2-3 days. The rest of the inflorescences are fresh for up to 3 weeks. The percentage of seed set is small. To increase the yield of seed, breeders use artificial pollination with a brush.
The seeds ripen within 2, 5-3 months. In the second half of the term, gauze caps are put on the boxes to avoid shedding the seeds at full ripeness.
Preferences
The slipper grows well on moderately moist soils under the canopy of tall plants in partial shade. Suitable for it are neutral or slightly alkaline substrates with a light composition.
It does not tolerate the close occurrence of ground fluid, flooding by spring waters, lowlands, where runoff from rain accumulates. With excessive moisture, the roots are affected by rot. It winters well in Siberia, the Middle Belt under natural leaf litter from trees.
Place in the garden
The natural style of the garden is great for creating compositions with lady's shoes. Light shading by deciduous trees will appeal to the new resident. Do not place graceful plants under fruit crops. Falling from branches can damage miniature bushes.
Low wild grasses will make good neighbors, mimicking the natural landscape. In the flowerbed, it goes well with hosts, ferns, astilbe, primroses. Forest orchids are planted next to plants similar to the habitat. Some gardeners cultivate shoes in a container planting, each year, changing the composition.
Reproduction of the lady's shoe, landing in a permanent place will be considered in the next article.
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