My Fascinating Discovery: Mahogany Trees and Their Tiny Pollinators

Mar 06, 2024 • 2:29 PM UTC

Mumbai, Maharashtra 400088, India

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Insects and Arachnids

Rafikh Shaikh

I'm a science educator interested in everything science.

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My Fascinating Discovery: Mahogany Trees and Their Tiny Pollinators

While strolling through the TISS campus, I made a remarkable observation about the Mahogany tree. I noticed a peculiar tube-like structure within its flower, housing anthers. Intrigued, I decided to explore further.

Using a Foldscope, I extracted pollen from the flower and found a surprise - an insect covered in pollen grains. After some research, I identified it as a Thrips, a pollinator of Mahogany trees.

Thrips, tiny insects no more than a few millimeters long, play a crucial role in pollination. They deposit eggs inside flowers, providing food and protection for the emerging larvae. As they move from flower to flower, pollen grains adhere to their bodies, facilitating pollination.

I also learned about the Thrips' unique flying mechanism - the clap and fling. This discovery sheds light on the intricate relationship between Mahogany trees and their pollinators, highlighting the wonders waiting to be uncovered in the natural world.