Exploring the art of pollination - perspectives from a wordsmith

In the heart of New Zealand's diverse ecosystems, the intricate process of pollination takes centre stage. This vital aspect of life, intimately connected with the lives of birds, insects, and other animals, is a crucial part of both native bush and orchards.

The Hub, a platform dedicated to scientific research, offers insightful examples of how this process can be studied. Filming for the Hub's pollination articles often takes place in outdoor laboratories, such as avocado orchards, providing a unique perspective on the subject.

One fascinating discovery made during the course of these studies is the kōwhai tree. In spring, this tree is a riot of yellow, with tūī feeding on the nectar-rich flowers and incidentally pollinating them. Later in the year, the kōwhai tree is empty of birds, yet the karamū is alive with them, feeding on the bright orange fruit and helping to spread the seeds.

The karamū trees, which flower at about the same time, have wind-pollinated flowers that are not as obvious. However, the native mistletoe, with its specialized flowers that do not open unless tweaked by certain native birds, offers a different approach to pollination.

Kiwifruit, another native New Zealand plant, has developed strategies to attract pollinators and avoid self-pollination. One such strategy is the production of fake pollen in separate female flowers. The study of pollination can provide insights into aspects of evolution, such as what makes flowering plants different from other plants.

Scientific research involves observing and manipulating variables in experiments, and the planning of experiments is critical, especially when working with plants that only flower for a short time each year. Dave Kelly, a scientist from the University of Canterbury, emphasizes the importance of observing biological communities for students to understand how they work.

Exploring life cycles rather than just pollination may require spreading studies out over several months. The author of the Hub's pollination articles gained a better understanding and appreciation of their own garden and nearby native bush while writing the articles.

The articles on the Hub cover the life cycles of flowering plants, including the kiwifruit pollination problems, complementing articles on ferns. By using native New Zealand examples extensively, but also including introduced plants for easier study, these articles offer a comprehensive look at the world of pollination.

Even the avocado tree, a common orchard plant, offers surprises. The author was amazed to find that the avocado tree changes sex from day to day to avoid self-pollination.

In conclusion, the study of pollination offers a fascinating glimpse into the workings of New Zealand's diverse and intricate ecosystems. By observing and understanding the processes at play, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world.