Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Ang mga Namumutakte sa Galamay-Amo

Schefflera leaves
The flowers attracting some ants
Quick Post:  We saw this Schefflera sp. flowering profusely at the Makiling Botanic Garden.  It was amazing! And apparently its beauty did not only attract us, but also an array of different insects, ranging from ants, wasps, butterflies and beetles.  I wonder why such beautiful plant with gorgeous flower clusters would hide its inflorescence underneath the very wide leaves?   Probably if it was exposed, more pollinators can be attracted to it.  And of course more predators would also be lurking, waiting for the pollinators to be caught of guard. The host of feeding animals seemed contented while rummaging through the blooms for pollen and nectar. They were oblivious that bigger species like us are examining them.  Good thing we don't eat these kinds of insects.  We were more enticed and salivated by the spectacular blooms of this Schefflera.  
The impressive inflorescence
A different species attracted to Scefflera
Berries
Collectively Scheffleras are called galamay-amo in the Philippines.  But there are numerous species, some with particular vernacular names like sainat, etc.  This species in particular have large simple whorled leaves.  There are other native species that are much more ornate and foliage-attractive.   

4 comments:

Oliver C. said...

What a beautiful schefflera! Thank you for posting this. Its flowers are comparable to that of lophantera lactsecens (golden chain tree) from Brazil. I would assume mother nature tucked in her blooms under the canopy of its leaves to give it some sort of protection from the rain, thus prolonging its bloom life. Would you know if this variety is commercially available? Thanks again

Bom @ www.plantchaser.com said...

Very informative post. The picture of the "other species" made me smile. Nice one. -- Bom

metscaper said...

@ Oliver, there are schefflera available commercially but i am not sure if this variety is propagated.

@ Bom, happy it made you smile!

mujacko2002 said...

wow, very nice. the leaves are very similar to pachira aquatica.