| Most tree species are pollinated by the wind, and their inconspicuous flowers are located high in the canopy. Often, they don't even look like flowers since they are long, hanging structures called "catkins". Plants that make use of wind-pollination have separate male and female flowers. This ensures that pollen will be moved between more different flowers, resulting in more genetic diversity in the seeds. |
Tiger lilies are common flowers in open areas and gaps in temperate forests, where sunlight is not
blocked by the trees. Photo by Maya Walters
|
| Open habitats and tree tops high in the forest canopy are the best places for wind-pollinated flowers, because the wind is does not blow strongly enough in lower, more sheltered locations for pollen distribution. Tree blossoms often open before their leaves, to ensure their catkins have maximum exposure to wind. |
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