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May 27

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Places to Visit and Explore Nature in Stanley Park Ecosystem Guides: Bog Stanley Park Visitor Map: with Park Features, Trails, and Destinations Beaver Lake

Swamp Laurel The bowl-shaped pink corolla (petals) appear to radiate a message, an advertisement, or invitation. To passing insects it might signal 'food'. For all its 'openess' the pollination ecology of this flower still remains something of a a mystery. Look closely at this flower. You will see that some of the anthers (pollen sacs) remains tucked into pockets on the flower petals, while others have been 'sprung'. Its possible that visiting insects, often bumblebees, trigger an anther's release which dusts the visiting insect with pollen. This seems possible but Lewis Clark in his classic book, "Wildlfowers of the Pacific Northwest", pointed out that not all of the sprung anthers have matured and are not ready to release their pollen. So perhaps another explanation is in order. Mr. Clark suggests that the anthers are tucked into their pockets when the flower opens to avoid self-pollination. The beauty, design, and function of the Swamp Laurel's flower does not have to be understood to be enjoyed but a deeper understanding, I think, enriches the feeling of enjoyment.       Field Guide Entry: Swamp Laurel

Stanley Park Explorer http://www.stanleyparkexplorer.ca Produced by Peter Woods naturalist@stanleyparkexplorer.ca           Revised: May 27, 2011