The Flowering Chameleon

The Flowering Chameleon

From Creation Moments on Oneplace.com by Ian T. Taylor & Mark W. Cadwallader

May 5, 2026 · 2 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the color-changing abilities of the scarlet gilia flower in relation to its pollinators.

What color is the scarlet gilia? Well, that depends on where and when it's blooming. Despite its name, the scarlet gilia can be red, pink, and even white.Near sea level, the flowers remain red all season. This is because the flower is pollinated throughout the summer by hummingbirds who are drawn to the red flowers. At higher elevations, the hummingbirds leave as summer moves into August. As they leave, the plants change their red flowers to pink and later, white flowers.The higher elevation plants change over to white flowers because they have a new pollinator. As the hummingbird population decreases, hawkmoths take over. During this transition, the flower produces pink blossoms as it invites both of its pollinators. Once the hummingbirds are gone, the hawkmoth takes over. The hawkmoths pollinate at night so they prefer white flowers, which are easier to see in the dark. Scientists were amazed by the fact that the color changes take place exactly when pollination shifts from hummingbird to moth. As one startled scientist put it, these plants cannot be considered passive in their environment.Who taught the scarlet gilia when and how to change the color of its flowers? Who taught…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ian T. Taylor, Mark W. Cadwallader

Topics covered

  • pollination
  • flower color change
  • scarlet gilia
  • hummingbirds
  • hawkmoths
  • creationism

Keywords

  • scarlet gilia
  • pollination
  • hummingbirds
  • hawkmoths
  • flower color change
  • creationism

Mentioned in this episode

Products: scarlet gilia

Books & works: Matthew 6:28-29

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