Photograph: R.Orr Hovea linearis is also known as Hovea heterophylla or more commonly as Common Hovea. The yellow spot in the centre of the flower is likely to serve as a nectar guide and aid in 'correct' positioning of the landing, insect pollinator.
Like typical pea flowers, Hovea flowers depend on the visiting insects being of the right weight to depress the flower keel and expose the reproductive parts. The exposed pollen-bearing structures brushes against the underside of the insect . If the flower's female part is receptive, it might pick up pollen from an earlier plant visited by the insect. Alternatively, the insect may get a belly covered in pollen and achieve pollination on its subsequent visits to flowers of the same species. If the insect is too light or does not land in the right spot it may rob the plants of nectar without achieving pollination.
Pollen images
light microscopy
electron microscopy
Like typical pea flowers, Hovea flowers depend on the visiting insects being of the right weight to depress the flower keel and expose the reproductive parts. The exposed pollen-bearing structures brushes against the underside of the insect . If the flower's female part is receptive, it might pick up pollen from an earlier plant visited by the insect. Alternatively, the insect may get a belly covered in pollen and achieve pollination on its subsequent visits to flowers of the same species. If the insect is too light or does not land in the right spot it may rob the plants of nectar without achieving pollination.
Pollen images
light microscopy
electron microscopy