Explain the term elephophily.

A form of pollination whereby pollen or spores are distributed by the feet of elephants is called elephophily. It is a form of cross pollination.

It is found in Rafflesia whose flowers is very large and is found at ground level. The pollen grains of one flower get attached to the feet of elephants and may be carried to the stigma of another flower.

• The pollination happens when spores or pollen are spread by elephant’s feet.

• They have unpleasant and very strong smell of decaying flesh.

• Elephophily flowers are unisexual.

This is the reason the successful pollination can be rare.

The right proximity of both female and male flowers is vital for the successful pollination.