Chiropterophily - Cross-pollination

Pollination brought about by bats is called cheiropterophily. Bats which feed at night and do not see very well, are frequent pollinators in the tropics. Bat-pollinated flowers have dusky, dull-colored petals. The flowers of these plants produce a strong scent, usually of fermented fruit. Bats are attracted to the flowers by the scent and they lap up the nectar. As they move from flower to flower, pollen is transferred. To facilitate the visit of bats, the flowers in chiropterophilous plants are borne singly or in clusters quite away from the branches and foliage. A bat clasps the flower with its claws and during nectar lapping its back becomes dusted with pollen grains. Examples pollinated by bats include the sausage tree (Kigelia pinnata), Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata).