Abstract
Some two-thirds to three-quarters of orchid species give off aromatic fragrances, which can be less demanding for the plant than producing nectar. The scent is produced by special gland cells called osmophores that may be located on the labellum, petals, or sepals. Analysis from 150 species of 25 genera of orchids shows the presence of approximately 50 different compounds [1]. On average, an individual orchid can produce seven to ten separate compounds that it composes to suit the pollinator. A common organic compound found in more than half of species sampled was eucalyptol, which is commonly used for medicinal purposes, in flavoring, and in cosmetics.
The lovely flowers embarrass me,
They make me regret I am not a bee –
Emily Dickinson
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Schiff, J.L. (2018). On the Scent. In: Rare and Exotic Orchids. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70034-2_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70034-2_5
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