Lured by Litter? An Australian Tree that Fools Its Pollinator by Mimicking Dead Leaves

Lured by Litter? An Australian Tree that Fools Its Pollinator by Mimicking Dead Leaves

Floral deception is one of nature’s boldest con games, as many flowers trick animals into visiting them—not with rewards such as pollen or nectar, but with mere illusions. Some bloom like banquets, others reek of rot or romance—mimicking food, mates, or even decaying flesh. In each case, the pollinator unwittingly transfers pollen as it falls for the ruse. Most of these botanical impersonators mimic animal by-products like dung or carcasses. But…