Chinese Fritillaria plants have found a way to hide from humans

Ancient plants that grow on the slopes of China's Hengduan mountains are trying to make themselves less visible to humans. Scientists at the University of Exeter have discovered that Fritillaria delavayi plants have evolved to match their surroundings in places where they are most frequently harvested.  The bulbs of Fritillaria delavayi and other fritillary species have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years. Fritillaria is primarily used to control coughing and to treat various lung conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. The …