Bright Christmas red, is it real or fake

Many people believe that the particularly bright and eye-catching part of the top of Christmas red is its petals. In fact, it's not the real petals, but some leaves that have changed color. If you as like as two peas, you can see that their shape, size and even texture are exactly the same as those of the same branch, but their functions are like petals, which are all for attracting insect pollination.

The flowers of Christmas red are actually very small. They borrow a few discolored bracts and play the role of petals. They are economical and practical. Doing the most with the least cost is also one of the most important laws of nature.

However, the bracts of some inflorescences were unwilling to be lonely and took up part-time jobs. The most representative is Calla and other Araceae plants. Their involucre is rolled into a large petal, which can not only shelter the small flowers, but also attract pollinators.

In addition, the barrel shaped involucre of many Araceae plants can also keep the temperature constant. On the one hand, it provides suitable conditions for flower development, on the other hand, it can attract small insects who are afraid of the cold to resist the cold. When they regard this place as a "Hotel", they will rub pollen on their bodies. When they sleep on other flowers the next night, they will take the pollen with them to complete the task of spreading pollen for the "landlord".