by Mary Free and Christa Watters, Extension Master Gardeners
Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel) flowers disperse their pollen using an explosive pollination method—vertical catapulting; which flower parts are involved in this process?
Most flowers rely on passive pollen dispersal, where insects unintentionally brush against the pollen as they drink nectar or move around the flower. In contrast, Kalmia latifolia flowers are adapted to actively eject pollen at visitors. Learn how this fascinating process works here.
