The complex mechanisms that orchids have evolved to achieve cross-pollination were investigated by Charles Darwin and described in Fertilisation of Orchids (1862). Orchids have developed highly specialized pollination systems, thus the chances of being pollinated are often scarce, so orchid flowers usually remain receptive for very long periods, rendering unpollinated flowers long-lasting in cultivation. Most orchids deliver pollen in a single mass. Each time pollination succeeds, thousands of ovules can be fertilized.
the complex mechanisms that orchids have evolved to achieve cross-pollination were investigated by charles darwin and described in fertilisation of orchids (1862) orchids have developed highly specialized pollination systems thus the chances of being pollinated are often scarce so orchid flowers usually remain receptive for very long periods rendering unpollinated flowers long-lasting in cultivation most orchids deliver pollen in a single mass each time pollination succeeds thousands of ovules can be fertilized