So...we had Tamara over for dinner as she is responsible for watering Hercules during the time when we are on holiday and we wanted to make sure that she knows where everything is. We are sitting around the table and I am sharing the exciting news of cross pollination that I did that morning. Tamara is listening intently. Then she asks about how I know which blossom is male and whichis female. I am happy to explain with the help of the photoson this blog. Very good, very nice, we all understand. The dinner continues and then... Tamara asks...but how does it happen when humans do not pollinate the plant? How does the plant do it on it's own? Does it have to grow so that the female and male accidentally find each other and cross pollinate? Meaning, does it have to grow in a circle or something? Or ... How do the blossoms find each other?
We were in disbelief. Tamara is a very smart woman...so all I could do, is ask...have you heard the stories of the birds and the bees? Well, the bees really do get the job done. :)
Before leaving Luxembourg for a month I had the chance to make I happen! I wore protective rubber, of course, but the lead Man and lady did not. Attached are photos of the grand event! Cannot wait for results!
And here are some gorgeous and very instructive photos that Gerti took of her pollination of Hercules:
A beautiful lady-in-waiting:
A handsome gentleman (see the pollen already collecting under the stamen?):
Preparing the male blossom to reveal the stamen, coated in pollen:
Applying the stamen directly to the interior parts female blossom:
One must be thorough and make sure there is plenty of pollen on the female:
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