Chapter 1
The mystery of midnight blossoms
Chapter 2
Queen of the night and her cactus kin
Chapter 3
The rapid magic of the moonflower
YOUR GOAL
Master of Secrets of night-blooming flowers
Ch 1 · The mystery of midnight blossoms
bolita Discover how night-blooming flowers use pale petals as natural mirrors to catch moonlight and attract nighttime pollinators.
artiteacher The mystery of midnight blossoms
We wake up when the moon comes out (oh-oh!) / One single night is what it's all about (yeah!)
bolita See how flowers use the natural compound linalool to create invisible, scented roadmaps that guide friendly nighttime insects in this infographic.
artiteacher Night-blooming flowers emit intense, sweet scents containing specific chemical compounds to guide pollinators through pitch-black darkness.
Fun Fact
Nocturnal navigation: Hawkmoths can detect the scent of a single night-blooming flower from miles away using their sensitive antennae.
Glossary
vespertine (adjective)
Relating to, occurring, or blooming in the evening. The moonflower exhibits this behavior, unfurling its large white blossoms at sunset to attract nocturnal pollinators.
Relating to, occurring, or blooming in the evening. The moonflower exhibits this behavior, unfurling its large white blossoms at sunset to attract nocturnal pollinators.
Quiz
Which chemical compound is commonly responsible for the sweet scent of night-blooming flowers?
artiteacher Nocturnal flowers rely on specialized relationships with bats and moths that have evolved alongside them.
Quiz
How far can the scent of some night-blooming flowers travel to attract pollinators?
Quiz
What is the scientific term for plants that open their flowers at night and close them by day?
Quiz
What is the main resource conservation benefit for desert plants blooming at night?
Quiz
Which nocturnal mammal is essential for pollinating giant night-blooming cacti in North American deserts?