fritillaria experts to the rescue

arnold140@verizon.net arnold140@verizon.net
Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:13:54 PDT
The liquid is probably produced by "nectaries" which are hidden deep inside the flower.  The nectar attracts pollinators by providing them with a bit of carbohydrate.

Many flowers produce nectar.

Arnold


Apr 25, 2010 07:03:33 PM, pbs@lists.ibiblio.org wrote:

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    Hi, all. I am wondering if any of you can talk to me about these wondrous cups of liquid inside the bell-shaped flowers of fritillaria. Are these unique to the imperialis varieties? A woman I'm profiling referred to them as "tears of mary." Have any of you ever heard this expression?
    What is the liquid--is it nectar?
    Any information totally appreciated. 
    Thanks---
    Anne Marie//WSJ.
    



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