Calochortus amabilis

Educational site for the exchange of information regarding the California wildfower Calochortus amabilis. The common names of this flower include yellow globe lily, golden fairy lantern, golden globe lily, Diogenes’ lantern, and Short lily.

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Location: California, United States

"As human beings, we have two jobs in life. The first is to learn; the second, to love. After forty odd years, I have learned that love is not an emotion. Love is an action. Love means freely giving away that which is the very best you have to offer." ~Mary Beth Abordo "Musings on the Snow Moon" 12/06

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Calochortus amabilis anyone?

Calochortus amabilis, commonly known as Diogenes Lantern, grows only in California. I wish to learn the pollinators of this plant and why the flower turns red/orange after pollination occurs (Does this coloration discourage pollinators from visiting an already pollinated flower? The red color of autumn Maple leaves is the result of stored sugars. Is the red I see in the Calochortus amabilis flower also the result of stored sugars? Does this red color discourage insects, animals, or birds from eating the ripening ovary?) Why are there “hairs” on the petals of members of the Calochortus family? Do these hairs brush pollen grains off visiting insects and thus increase the chances of successful pollination? Is being a “Generalist” as opposed to attracting “specific pollinator” actually a good thing? In years when one population of pollinators suffers (such as the honey bee being attacked by parasitic mites) is the Calochortus amabilis population able to maintain as it still attracts other pollinators (such as beetles)?

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