why are the flowers that bloom at night usually white and have a pleasant smell
Answers
Flowers that bloom at night have very unique challenge for pollination. They have a very short window of opportunity for successful pollination by bats and other insects.
In order to maximise their chances of successful pollination, these flowers have Naturally evolved with certain features.
Two of the features That I have noticed consistently throughout nocturnal bloomers are mild fragrance and white coloured flowers.
White provides the best contrast among all colours in low light or at night conditions.Flowers that bloom at night have very unique challenge for pollination. They have a very short window of opportunity for successful pollination by bats and other insects.
In order to maximise their chances of successful pollination, these flowers have Naturally evolved with certain features.
Two of the features That I have noticed consistently throughout nocturnal bloomers are mild fragrance and white coloured flowers.
White provides the best contrast among all colours in low light or at night conditions. White flowers also reflect moonlight. And this contrast can successfully attract more pollinators for successful pollination.
In larger flowers of the nocturnal species, pollination primarily occurs through bats & no bats will be attracted to a plant / flower without nectar or any other food source. And that i why that the mild fragrance attracts insects and moths. The bats come in pursuit of insects and moths and the ensuing melee of the bats and insects is when pollination occurs.
White colour for contrast.
Mild fragrance to attract secondary pollinators. And this contrast can successfully attract more pollinators for successful pollination.
HOPE IT HELPS U !!