From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Philip Henry Gosse
Date:
2 June [1863]
Source of text:
Leeds University Library Special Collections (Brotherton Collection: Gosse Correspondence)
Summary:
Can only conjecture that the problem occurs because the plant is not living in its natural conditions. Refers to what he said on Acropera [in Orchids]. Many plants under culture have sexual functions altered.
Asks PHG to look at bee Ophrys at Torquay to see if pollinia are ever removed. "It is my greatest puzzle."
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project