This week's bioflash: "Spring Dress"

From a bud, the flower unfurls like a fist revealing a petaled palm. Colourful fingers catch transparent wings without moving. With sweet perfume she lures pollinators into her silky red folds. Hungry insects carry grains of life from one flower to another.

The fruit of her labour? A seed on the wind.

Once her petals have served their purpose—and colour and fragrance fade—they drop to the ground as wilted tears. She will pass this art of seduction to her daughters: blossom, attract, mate—and scarlet dresses are worn with pride in the spring.