How fragrance is produced in flowers

1. The fragrance of flowers comes from special substances called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

👉 These are chemical compounds that easily evaporate into the air.

👉 Flowers release them from their petals, glands, or nectar-producing parts (nectaries).

2. Why flowers produce fragrance

The main reason is to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects.

When flowers need pollination, they use scent as a signal to invite pollinators.

3. Why different flowers have different smells

Each flower produces a unique mixture of chemical compounds:

Roses contain geraniol, citronellol, phenylethyl alcohol → sweet fragrance.

Tuberose (Rajanigandha) contains methyl benzoate, benzyl acetate → strong pleasant fragrance.

Jasmine or Gardenia contains indole, linalool → deep and attractive smell.

The type, amount, and combination of these compounds make every flower’s fragrance different.

4. Scientific view

It’s like a natural perfume factory.

Each flower’s genes control the enzymes that produce specific compounds, which is why every flower can create its own distinct fragrance.