Scanning electron micrograph of a carrion flower of the genus Duvalia. The picture shows the five-fold symmetry of the gynostegium, a complex structure containing nectaries at the base of the (white) corona, pollen masses ( pollinia, red ovals) and stigmas (not visible). The pollinia are attached to a clip mechanism, the translator. The rotten meat odour of the nectar attracts blow flies. The translator attaches itself to the legs of the fly, which then visits a second flower. The pollinia are shed into tunnels leading to the stigma (five dark entrances beyond the pollinia here), resulting in cross-pollination. Carrion flowers are members of the Asclepiadaceae, a family rivalling orchids in the complexity of adaptations to pollinators. Details of floral structure vary between genera and species, and are studied as a model of adaptation in evolutionary theory. Mag x 10 at 8x8