During a walk in South Limburg, the Netherlands, I saw this plant. I think it’s foxglove/digitalis, but I’d never seen the growth in the top. Am I right in thinking that this rarely happens?
Answer
The deviant flower that you found with the foxglove is a peloric top flower. It is actually a genetic abnormality in which the top flower of the plant is symmetrical on all sides instead of symmetrical on one side (= you can only extend one mirror axis) as we are used to with the ordinary flowers of foxglove. The name refers to Pelorus from Greek mythology. This genetic deviation is maintained because certain field bumblebees prefer this top flower and spread its pollen. The phenomenon also occurs in other types of plants. Darwin described it, for example, with flax beak.
Answered by
Koen Es
Botany
New Avenue 38 1860 Meise
http://www.plantentuinmeise.be
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