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In spring , the desert undergoes a remarkable transformation.
For just a few weeks a year, the flowers of over 3, 000 different plant species turn this desert into the Garden of Africa.
This dazzling variety of color has evolved over time for a very special purpose -- for plants to seduce their insect pollinators.
Some extraordinary relationships have been forged. The bright purple blossoms of Lapeirousia are designed purely to attract the fly with the longest tongue in Africa. As the fly probes for a sip of nectar in the long floral tubes, pollen is dabbed onto its forehead. A smart design, but on a windy day, it's not so easy to hit the target.
Diascia flowers use not nectar but nutritious oils secreted by glands at the tips of their floral tubes to tempt pollinators. Flower and bee, in this case, a perfect fit as the insect dips its toes for oil.
Ignited by the rain, the flowering of the Karoo touches the lives of all its inhabitants. Brandt's whistling rats are quick to harvest the blossoms around their burrows.
These desert rats time their breeding to the birth of fresh food, but with snakes around, mothers can't risk leaving their youngsters at home. Clinging to her nipples, they're carried along, a sort of meals on wheels.
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words and expression:
1.pollinator:animals or objects that can pollinate授粉者
2.lapeirousia
3.nectar:a sweet liquid secretion that is attractive to pollinators 花蜜
4.dab:apply (usually a liquid) to a surface轻拍
(eg.)dab the wall with paint,dab cheek with rouge
5.diascia
6.gland:An organ which secretes or separates some peculiar product from the blood or sap of animals or plants胰腺，腺体
7.nipple:In anatomy, the small raised area in the center of the breast through which milk can flow to the outside乳头
8.meals on wheels:Meals on Wheels is the name of a nutrition program available in several countries which delivers a meal to the home of an individual, usually a senior age 60 or older, who is unable to purchase or prepare meals themself上门送餐服务
illustration:lapeirousia and diascia
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