The Anther Answer

Botanists have long questioned why some flowers have multiple anther types (structures that produce pollen), but now a team from the University of California Santa Cruz has a new theory. It seems that flowers have multiple sets of anthers so that they can “schedule” pollen removal. When the flower first opens, some anthers blend in with the petals so that bees won’t collect from them. Later, the anthers will bend upward to encourage pollination. This process could encourage bees to visit and pollinate other flowers nearby.

Matthew 6:28–30 encourages us to “consider the lilies of the field.” When we do, we see just how well God has provided for his creation. His intricate designs for flowers benefit bees, which benefits us. If God has provided for flora and fauna in this well-designed world, we can rest assured he will take care of us.

This article is from Answers magazine, October–December, 2021, p. 29.