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The Mysterious Flora of Arid Lands
The Wonders of Creation: The plant Hydnora africana is a parasitic marvel from the dry regions of Africa. Why is it called a 'flower' despite its strong, unpleasant odor? Find out more in this article.
The Hydnora africana is a wild parasitic plant that grows underground, except for its fleshy flower that rises above the soil and emits an incredibly pungent odor. This odor, along with the plant's unique morphology, acts as a living trap attracting various insects, mainly dung beetles. This plant does not contain chlorophyll (the green pigment in plants responsible for photosynthesis), and its fruits will develop below ground for two full years before emerging into the open air.
It's fascinating to note that despite the plant's strong (even nauseating) odor, thanks to its inner structure resembling the shape of a flower and its beautiful fruit, many tend to classify it within the 'flower' category.
