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This concerns the story discussing the ability of flowers to protect their reproductive parts by closing up during a rain storm. I recently observed what may be other mechanisms to achieve the same end in flowers that can’t close up. As a storm approaches, Queen Anne’s lace dips its flat umbels to a vertical position to escape as much water as possible. The position seems not to be caused by the weight of the water on the flower, as it often occurs before rain strikes. Moth mullein in the same situation, since it can’t close, turns its face toward the ground. John T. Roberts
Charlottesville, Va.