Photograph: I. Brown Dillwynia sericea is commonly known
as the Showy Parrot-pea.The apricot coloured flowers appear in small groups from September to December.
The pollen of many local pea flowers is carried by native bees but other insects are seen on pea flowers as well. When landing on the flower, the insect depresses the lower petals which form a keel and thus exposes the reproductive organs. In this way, the pollen is picked up by the underside of the insect and carried to the next flower. If a very small, light insect visits the flower, it could get to the nectar without opening the lower keel and thus simply 'rob' the nectar.
Pollen images
light microscopy
electron microscopy
The pollen of many local pea flowers is carried by native bees but other insects are seen on pea flowers as well. When landing on the flower, the insect depresses the lower petals which form a keel and thus exposes the reproductive organs. In this way, the pollen is picked up by the underside of the insect and carried to the next flower. If a very small, light insect visits the flower, it could get to the nectar without opening the lower keel and thus simply 'rob' the nectar.
Pollen images
light microscopy
electron microscopy