BBC Knowledge Magazine Asia Edition (Volume 4 Issue 3)

playing dead Western Australia The elegant red beak orchid (Pyrorchis nigricans) is a common sight in eucalyptus woodlands. It typically flowers once bush fires have cleared the undergrowth, so as to avoid competition from rival plants. Although pollinated by insects, it is adverse to attention from other animals and uses a unique defence mechanism to avoid them. When the seeds are ready to disperse, the plant turns completely black – causing local people to refer to it as the undertaker orchid – and blends in with surrounding burnt twigs.

The resulting dead appearance discourages any grazing animals.