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IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES

By Sharon Asakawa

Five years ago, the U.S Senate unanimously approved and designated the last week in June as "National Pollinator Week." It is now an international celebration of bees, birds, butterflies, bats and other pollinators as well as a movement to promote the importance of pollinators in land management, food production and the environment. In the spirit of June's National Pollinator Week, the following are important facts for the home gardener to think about:

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DID YOU KNOW?

PHOTO CREDIT: Eduardo Sacayon, courtesy of www.maya-archaeology.org

Although the nickel-sized cacao flowers have male and female parts, they cannot fertilize themselves and must rely on a tiny fly known as a midge that is no larger than a pinhead to transport the pollen. Wild cacao flowers give off over 75 distinctive aroma ingredients compared to a paltry 14 for roses and this powerful mixture of fragrances attract the midges that result in pollination and the formation of the cacao fruit. Basically, these mini natives of the tropical rainforest are responsible for the world's supply of chocolate. Chocoholics need to be grateful to the midge!.