Brains On! Science podcast for kids · Brains On Universe

How do flowers get their smells?

March 17, 2026·24 min·2 clips

Discover how flowers use chemical scents to target specific pollinators like honeybees or moths.

This episode of Brains On! explores the science behind floral scents and their crucial role in plant pollination. Host Molly Bloom is joined by kid co-host Isla from Melbourne, Australia, and features flower smell researcher Dr. Kelsey Byers from the John Innes Centre in the UK. Flowers produce smells by releasing tiny chemical particles into the air from parts like their petals, leaves, or nectar. These scents primarily function to attract animal pollinators such as bees, flies, butterflies, moths, birds, and bats, which transfer pollen between flowers. Different flowers emit distinct scents to appeal to their specific preferred pollinators; for example, an orchid might target a certain wasp. Dr. Byers notes that roses have an exceptionally complex scent bouquet, containing up to 200 different chemical compounds. Some flowers, like dandelions, emit generalist smells, while others are highly specialized. A flower's scent can change after it is pollinated, sometimes turning unpleasant to discourage further visits and direct pollinators to unpollinated flowers. Scientists still do not fully understand the exact mechanism of how flowers release these scent chemicals into the air. The episode highlights the corpse flower, or titan arum, which emits a powerful stench resembling rotting flesh to attract carrion beetles and flies from miles away. This flower even generates heat to help waft its odor and mimics a warm animal corpse. A fictional segment introduces "Stink Force," a superhero team featuring a skunk and a corpse flower, humorously illustrating how foul smells can repel pests or attract specific pollinators. The mystery sound, revealed to be a paint roller on a wall, challenges listeners' auditory detective skills. The tone is educational, playful, and highly engaging, using clear explanations, character voices, and interactive segments. It employs a conversational style between the host and a child, alongside imaginative storytelling and sound design to illustrate scientific concepts. Young science enthusiasts and curious kids who enjoy nature, biology, and fun facts about the natural world would love this episode. Listeners seeking a purely serious, adult-oriented science lecture might find the playful skits and sound effects less appealing.

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