Brassavola

/brəˈsɑːvələ/ noun

Definition

A genus of tropical orchids native to Central and South America, known for fragrant white flowers that bloom at night.

Etymology

Named after Antonio Musa Brassavola, a 16th-century Italian botanist and physician. The genus was named in his honor by botanists cataloging New World plants.

Kelly Says

Brassavola orchids are nature's night-shift flowers—they're heavily scented at night to attract nocturnal moths, but during the day they're nearly odorless, showing how plants have evolved specific strategies to attract their specific pollinators.

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