10 Interesting facts about flowers

1. Flowers can alter human emotions in just a matter of seconds.

Scientific studies have shown that even a single flower increases dopamine and oxytocin, the brain's "joy and bonding" chemicals. That's why getting flowers instantly softens mood and increases trust.

2. Some flowers use ultraviolet patterns to communicate with insects.

Bees perceive ultraviolet colors that humans cannot. Most flowers have "UV landing strips" that are invisible to us but radiate bright for bees - as airport runways do for guiding them to nectar.

3. The oldest flower fossil found is 125 million years old.

This was named Archaefructus; it existed in the time of dinosaurs, meaning flowers are far older than humans and most mammals.

4. Rose fragrance may help improve sleeping and memory.

Research has shown that rose fragrance, when inhaled during sleep, helps the brain retain memory more effectively. The same is used in cognitive therapy.

5. Like human beings, lotuses can self-regulate their temperatures.

Lotus flowers maintain a constant temperature, like that of warm-blooded animals, at around 30–36°C. This attracts pollinators that prefer the warmth.

6. The "Corpse Flower" heats up to spread its horrific smell

The Titan Arum heats itself up to take on the odor of decaying flesh to attract flies and beetles. It can grow taller than 8 feet.

7. Tulips once caused an economic crash

Tulips were so valuable in the Netherlands during the 1600s that people traded houses for rare bulbs. It was described as the world's first financial bubble, "Tulip Mania".

8. Flowers are universally used as an emotional language in every culture.

There were Victorians who used flowers to send secret messages of romance. Japan uses flowers in spiritual ceremonies, while roses and tuberose signify purity and love in the weddings in Pakistan.

9. Sunflowers follow the direction of the sun because of plant hormones.

Young sunflowers rotate from east (morning) to west (evening). They stop as adults but remember their orientation and permanently face east.

10. Saffron is derived from flowers and is more costly than gold.

Saffron is the stigmas of the Crocus flower. Each flower has only three small strands, which is why 1 kg requires about 150,000 flowers.