Flowers are known for their beautiful colors and unique shapes, but one of the most noticeable and memorable aspects of flowers is their smell. You may have noticed that different flowers have different scents – some are sweet and floral, while others have a more herby or even stinky odor. So, why do flowers have different smells?
Sweet and floral:
Many flowers have a sweet and floral scent that is pleasant and enjoyable to smell. These scents are often used in perfumes, air fresheners, and other products to add a pleasant aroma. Flowers with sweet and floral scents include roses, lavender, jasmine, and lilacs, among others.
The reason why these flowers have a sweet and floral scent is due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their petals. VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate easily and create a scent. These chemicals are often produced by flowers to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The scent serves as a signal to these insects that the flower contains nectar and pollen that they can collect for food.
A filthy stench:
On the other hand, some flowers have a distinctly unpleasant smell that can be described as stinky or even repulsive. Examples of flowers with a foul smell include the corpse flower, which emits a smell similar to rotting flesh, and the skunk cabbage, which smells like a skunk.
Despite their unpleasant smell, these flowers serve an important ecological purpose. The smell is often used to attract pollinators, such as flies and beetles, which are attracted to the smell of rotting flesh or decaying matter. These insects help to pollinate the flowers and spread their pollen to other plants.
Fresh and herby:
Other flowers have a fresh and herby scent that is reminiscent of herbs and spices. Examples of flowers with a herby scent include chamomile, thyme, and mint. These scents are often used in aromatherapy and other wellness practices for their calming and soothing properties.
The reason why these flowers have a fresh and herby scent is due to the presence of terpenoids in their petals. Terpenoids are a group of chemicals that are responsible for the scent and flavor of many plants. They are often used in essential oils and other aromatherapy products for their therapeutic benefits.
Now that you know why flowers have different scents, you may be wondering how to enjoy these scents for yourself. One way to do so is by ordering same day delivery flowers from the best online floral delivery service.
These services allow you to choose from a variety of flowers, each with their own unique scent and beauty. You can have these flowers delivered right to your doorstep, allowing you to enjoy their fragrance and beauty without having to leave your home.
In conclusion, flowers have different scents due to the presence of volatile organic compounds, terpenoids, and other chemicals in their petals. These scents serve an important ecological purpose, such as attracting pollinators, and can also be enjoyed for their therapeutic and aesthetic benefits. By ordering same day delivery flowers from the best online floral delivery service, you can bring the beauty and fragrance of flowers into your home.
