Secrets of night-blooming flowers

Chapter 1

The mystery of midnight blossoms

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Chapter 2

Queen of the night and her cactus kin

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Chapter 3

The rapid magic of the moonflower

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YOUR GOAL

Master of Secrets of night-blooming flowers

Ch 1 · The mystery of midnight blossoms

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Night flowers actually use pale petals like tiny mirrors to catch moonlight.

bolita Night flowers actually use pale petals like tiny mirrors to catch moonlight.

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Flowers use linalool to paint invisible, scented roadmaps in the night.

bolita Flowers use linalool to paint invisible, scented roadmaps in the night.

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teacher Partners in the night sky

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teacher The powerful perfume of the dark

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teacher Why some flowers shun the sun

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teacher The glow of white petals

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teacher 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!)

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Partners in the night sky

teacher Partners in the night sky

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Fun Fact

Nocturnal navigation: Hawkmoths can detect the scent of a single night-blooming flower from miles away using their sensitive antennae.

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The powerful perfume of the dark

teacher The powerful perfume of the dark

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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.

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Quiz

Which chemical compound is commonly responsible for the sweet scent of night-blooming flowers?

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Gossip

Which night scent would you prefer?

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Quiz

Why are almost all night-blooming flowers white or pale cream?

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Quiz

How far can the scent of some night-blooming flowers travel to attract pollinators?

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Quiz

What is the primary evolutionary reason some plants bloom only at night?

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Quiz

Which insect is a primary pollinator of deep-tubed night-blooming flowers?

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Quiz

What is the scientific term for plants that open their flowers at night and close them by day?

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Quiz

What is the main resource conservation benefit for desert plants blooming at night?

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Quiz

Which nocturnal mammal is essential for pollinating giant night-blooming cacti in North American deserts?