Flame of the woods

Ixora coccinea

What Should You Know About Pollinating Flame Of The Woods?

Flame of the woods employs entomophily for pollination, primarily enticing Bees and Butterflies with its vibrant red or pink clustered blooms and its rich nectar. Active during the day, the flowers of flame of the woods use their fantastic coloration and distinctive fragrance to attract these pollinators. The pollinators interact with the flower, exchanging pollen and nectar, which ensures the survival and propagation of flame of the woods, sustaining biodiversity.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Flame Of The Woods?

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Primary pollinators

Bees, Butterflies

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Moths

Western honey bee

Lime swallowtail

Beetles

Moths and butterflies

Buff-tailed bumble bee

Painted lady

How Does Pollination Occur in Flame Of The Woods?

The flame of the woods bears clusters of vibrant, tubular flowers ranging in colors from red, pink, orange, to yellow. The flower's long corolla and style protrude slightly from the tubular structure, aiding in their pollination.

Flame of the woods primarily depends on 'entomophily', or insect-based pollination. The plant may also undergo self-pollination in the absence of pollinators.

How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Flame Of The Woods?

Plant Diversity

Plant a diversity of flowering plants in your garden or farm that are attractive to the primary and potential pollinators. For bees and butterflies, consider planting other nectar-rich flowering plants, herbs, and shrubs, as these can provide food for these pollinators. For beetles and moths, consider night-flowering plants that produce strong perfumes to attract them.

Water Source

Provide a water source for pollinators. This can be as simple as a birdbath or a damp sponge placed in a sheltered location. Bees, butterflies, beetles and moths all require water and this can act as a significant attractant for these insects, prompting them to visit the garden or farm more often.

Pesticides

Avoid the use of pesticides in your garden or farm, especially during the plant's flowering period, as they can harm or kill the pollinating insects. Organic or integrated pest management strategies are better alternatives that can control insect pests while minimizing harm to pollinators.

Shelters

Establish habitats or shelters such as bee hotels, butterfly houses or piles of dead wood. These can provide refuge places for pollinators like bees, butterflies, beetles, and moths at different stages of their life cycle, encouraging their presence in your garden or farm.

How Can You Determine if Flame Of The Woods has Been Pollinated?

Fruit Formation

When flame of the woods has been successfully pollinated, you will notice the development of small, berry-like fruits from the base of the flower.

Fallen Flowers

Another sign of successful pollination in flame of the woods includes the falling off of well-pollinated flowers, making way for fruit formation.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Flame Of The Woods

Easy

Difficulty

30 mins

Duration

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Flame Of The Woods?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush is used to collect pollen from the stamen (male part) of a flower and transfer it to the stigma (female part) of another flower.

Misting Bottle

A misting bottle is needed to lightly water the plant after the pollination process to help establish the pollen.

Gloves

Wear gloves to keep the pollen safe and uncontaminated.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Flame Of The Woods?

The best time for hand-pollination of flame of the woods is early in the morning as this is typically when the flowers naturally open, and pollen is most available. This should be done during the flowering season to ensure that the plant is ready for pollination.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Flame Of The Woods

Step1: Preparation

Put on your gloves and get your small brush and misting bottle ready.

Step2: Collecting Pollen

Use the small brush to gently collect pollen from the anther (part of the stamen) of a flame of the woods flower.

Step3: Transferring Pollen

Carefully transfer the pollen collected on the brush to the stigma of another flame of the woods flower. Make sure to touch the brush gently onto the stigma to deposit the pollen.

Step4: Misting

Lightly mist the pollinated flowers using the misting bottle. This helps to simulate natural conditions and encourages the pollen to stick and germinate.

Step5: Repeat

Repeat steps 2 to 4 for all the flowers you wish to pollinate on the flame of the woods plant.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Flame Of The Woods Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Lack of Pollinators

If flame of the woods's flowers are not becoming pollinated, consider manually assisting by moving pollen from the stamen to the pistil with a small brush.

Environmental Conditions

Unfavorable conditions, like extreme heat or cold, can decrease pollination in flame of the woods. Consider repositioning the plant to a more suitable environment during extreme weather.

Pesticide Use

Avoid using pesticides that could harm potential pollinators. If you absolutely must use pesticides, apply them during the evening when pollinators are less active.

Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?

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