Dudu Diaries

Have been looking closely at a Leopard Orchid (Ansellia africana) to see what kinds of ants visit and potentially tend the buds and flowers. This species of orchid is found along the coast and in the Rift Valley as well as in the western forests of our region. It is a very pretty plant – as you can see from the flowers, the name “Leopard Orchid” is very apt! It is a very variable species. This one is from near Lake Nakuru in the Great Rift Valley: And this one is from the Kerio Valley: There’s even a rare, beautiful heavy-spotted form from the rainforest called the “Black Leopard Orchid”. Here’s a sketch I made of it some years ago:The flowers of the Leopard Orchid are interesting in that they don’t produce any nectar – just a pleasant lemony scent – and so con bees into pollinating them. However, the buds do secrete nectar droplets before they open and these attract ants…Yet another mystery that needs to be solved! More soon – thanks for your comments…