A definite must for the serious orchid grower: Angraecum sesquipedale, the famous Darwin's Orchid. Darwin correctly predicted a moth with a 12 inch long proboscis to reach the nectar at the bottom of this nectar tube. Long-lasting, large-flowered, and pleasingly fragrant at night.
#orchids #orchidsofmastadon #angraecum #darwin
#January 25, 1862
#OTD Charles #Darwin received a box of #Orchids.
After sorting the #Flowers, one #Orchid caught Charles' attention: the #Angraecum sesquipedale, commonly called Darwin's Orchid or the #Christmas Orchid.
Charles suspected an unknown moth w/ a 14-inch long proboscis co-evolved w/ the orchid to #Pollinate it. Many people scoffed - a moth with a 14-inch tongue?!
But, in 1903, such a #Moth was discovered.
21 years after Darwin's death, his guess was proved correct.
