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Sensitive Stamens In Portulaca, Charles E. Bessey

Papers in Systematics and Biological Diversity

Two years ago my attention was first called to the sensitiveness of the stamens of Portulaca grandiflora, by observing a peculiar motion in them, while a small wild bee was engaged in gathering honey, and perhaps pollen, from the flowers. Upon trial I found that I could, by touching the stamens, make them move through quite considerable arcs of circles. I pursued the investigation somewhat farther at the time, but on account of a pressure of work was compelled to drop it. Last year I again made some examinations which confirmed my previous observations, but declined calling special attention …