Aplotaxene

/ˌæpləˈtæksən/ noun

Definition

In plant biology, a simple monoterpene hydrocarbon compound found in certain plant essential oils.

Etymology

From Greek 'aplos' (simple) + 'taxene' (a type of hydrocarbon compound). A specialized chemical term for a particular organic molecule.

Kelly Says

Aplotaxene is part of why some plants smell amazing—these simple hydrocarbons are volatile enough to float through the air and attract pollinators, so a flower's fragrance is literally its dating profile!

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