Bats, Birds, and Blossoms: The pollinators of Merremia platyphylla

Bats, Birds, and Blossoms: The pollinators of Merremia platyphylla

Plants and pollinators work like pieces of a puzzle: when the fit is just right, the chances of successful pollination skyrocket. A flower’s shape, colour, scent, and timing all evolved as clues to attract the right visitor. These combinations of traits are called pollination syndromes, and they help scientists predict which animal is likely doing the job.  This evolutionary matchmaking ensures that pollen sticks to the right animal and reaches …