Orchidcheats -
Certain orchids, such as those in the genus Ophrys , produce flowers that look and smell like female insects. Male insects are lured into attempting to mate with the flower (a process called pseudocopulation ), during which pollen is accidentally attached to the insect for transport to the next flower. Exploitation of Fungi
Orchids are masters of biological trickery, often using visual and chemical mimicry to fool insects: OrchidCheats
Some rare "cheater" species, like the newly discovered Lecanorchis tabugawaensis in Japan, remain parasitic on fungi for their entire lives, completely bypassing photosynthesis for energy. Orchid Care "Hacks" Certain orchids, such as those in the genus
Orchid seeds are so small they lack stored nutrients. To germinate, they must deceive mycorrhizal fungi into providing them with carbon and minerals. Orchid Care "Hacks" Orchid seeds are so small
Orchids also "cheat" in their symbiotic relationships with fungi: