Carrion flower (Stapelia sp. )

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Carrion flower (Stapelia sp. )

Carrion flowers (Stapelia sp.). These flowers are known as carrions due to their strong and offensive smell which imitates rotting flesh. They are pollinated by insects that would normally feed on dung, corpses and decaying vegetable matter. Decived by the smell into believing food is available, they lay their eggs on the petals

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Media ID 6272130

© DR KEITH WHEELER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Carrion Dicotyledon Flowering Plant Smell Unpleasant Stapelia

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the unique beauty of Carrion flowers (Stapelia sp. ). These remarkable blooms have earned their name due to their pungent and offensive odor, which strikingly resembles rotting flesh. It is this repugnant smell that attracts a specific group of insects, typically those that feed on dung, corpses, and decaying organic matter. The cunning strategy employed by these flowers involves deceiving these insects into believing food is readily available. Consequently, the unsuspecting insects lay their eggs on the petals. The intricate structure of these carrion flowers is a testament to nature's ingenuity. As an angiosperm and dicotyledonous plant species, Stapelia sp. represents a fascinating example of flowering plants' diversity in form and function. This botanical marvel not only appeals to our curiosity but also serves as a reminder of the extraordinary adaptations found within the biological world. While some may find its scent unpleasant, it is precisely this distinctive characteristic that makes Carrion flowers so intriguing from a scientific perspective. This stunning print from Science Photo Library captures alluring details of this natural wonder – showcasing its delicate petals and intricate biology.

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