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Primroses for Easter

Primroses are unusual in having two almost identical, yet slightly different types of flowers.
In the thrum-eyed type (seen on the left), the style reaches only halfway up the flower tube, so that the stigma is also positioned halfway up inside the tube. The anthers in this type are at the top of the flower tube and can be seen as a mass in the centre of the flower.
In pin-eyed flowers (on the right), the stigma is at the top of the flower tube and can be seen in the centre of the flower looking like a small green pin head. In this type of flower, the anthers are halfway down the central flower tube, in a ring around the style.

Fertilisation is usually achieved between a thrum-eye flower and a pin-eye flower; pollination from pin to pin or thrum to thrum is not generally effective.

Next time you see primroses, or any other member of the primrose family, take a closer look.
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18 comments

Marie-claire Gallet said:

Totally gorgeous, Amelia !! Spring is back !!!!!!!!!!!
8 years ago

Marie-claire Gallet said:

8 years ago ( translate )

Jaap van 't Veen said:

Beautiful collage.
8 years ago ( translate )

Stormlizard said:

Nicely done Amelia with interesting facts.
8 years ago

Edward Bowthorpe said:

Brilliant Amelia,eddie,xx
8 years ago ( translate )

Christel Ehretsmann said:

quite a nice gift
8 years ago ( translate )

Cämmerer zu Nau said:

Gut gemacht, - auch die Erklärung.
FROHE OSTERN Amelia.
8 years ago ( translate )

Annaig BZH said:

très joli tableau printanier,
8 years ago ( translate )

Keith Burton said:

I've learned something new today Amelia...........I can't believe I've never noticed the difference before!

Two cracking shots as well..!!
8 years ago

Nick Weall said:

I saw some yesterday ~ always a treat x
8 years ago

Ulrich John said:

Very nice. And a very interesting text. I have to look with other eyes on them next time.
8 years ago

Peter Castell said:

The problem in a garden is keeping the true colour as they cross pollinate giving hints of different colours
8 years ago

Pam J said:

They are so beautiful
8 years ago

Cheryl Kelly (cher12… said:

Such lovely, delicate color and flowers! Happy Easter, my friend!!
8 years ago ( translate )

HappySnapper said:

My creaky old knees won't let me get that close but happy Easter Sunday Amelia.
8 years ago