Disentangling visual and olfactory signals in mushroom-mimicking Dracula orchids using realistic three-dimensional printed flowers

The New Phytologist
Tobias PolichaB A Roy

Abstract

Flowers use olfactory and visual signals to communicate with pollinators. Disentangling the relative contributions and potential synergies between signals remains a challenge. Understanding the perceptual biases exploited by floral mimicry illuminates the evolution of these signals. Here, we disentangle the olfactory and visual components of Dracula lafleurii, which mimics mushrooms in size, shape, color and scent, and is pollinated by mushroom-associated flies. To decouple signals, we used three-dimensional printing to produce realistic artificial flower molds that were color matched and cast using scent-free surgical silicone, to which we could add scent. We used GC-MS to measure scents in co-occurring mushrooms, and related orchids, and used these scents in field experiments. By combining silicone flower parts with real floral organs, we created chimeras that identified the mushroom-like labellum as a source of volatile attraction. In addition, we showed remarkable overlap in the volatile chemistry between D. lafleurii and co-occurring mushrooms. The characters defining the genus Dracula - a mushroom-like, 'gilled' labellum and a showy, patterned calyx - enhance pollinator attraction by exploiting the visual and chemosensory...Continue Reading

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Citations

Feb 28, 2017·The New Phytologist
Apr 19, 2017·The New Phytologist·Kari A Segraves
Nov 29, 2017·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Karin NordströmShannon B Olsson
Nov 22, 2018·American Journal of Botany·Philipp M Schlüter
Apr 25, 2019·Ecology and Evolution·Matthew Walker, Stuart Humphries
Jan 15, 2021·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Tanvi DeoraBing W Brunton

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