The Corolla in Flower-Fertilization

Abstract

I HAVE noticed a curious fact in reference to the blue gentian of the garden here that will interest you. This flower (like the daisy) closes at night and opens in the morning, and is exquisitely sensitive to the time of sun rising and setting (it is a lasting, and with its bronzed throat an exquisite flower). The fact observed is this, that, when visited by the large handsome bee that fertilizes it, the beautiful widespread pentamerous flower closes gently on the bee, if the insect effectually enters and fertilizes it, on its passage to the honey of the five cups at the base of the corolla; and after the insect's exit, does not again unfold, if the fertilization is complete, but remains a folded flower—a protection (shorn of its beauty) for the precious seed-vessel and its maturing contents within.