Ancient Plants Heat Up to Attract Pollinators
New research reveals that cycads, some of the oldest plants on Earth, attract pollinators by generating heat, allowing them to glow in infrared light. This discovery, published in Science, suggests that these plants, which predate flowers, have a unique way of signaling to nocturnal insects like beetles.
Cycads produce cones that can be 15-25°F warmer than their surroundings, drawing in pollinators. Experts believe this ancient method of attraction could have evolutionary advantages, as it helps insects locate food sources in low-light conditions. Could this thermal signaling reshape our understanding of plant-pollinator relationships?
#Cycads #Pollination #Botany #Evolution
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/11/nx-s1-5637486/ancient-heat-producing-plants-glow-infrared-scent-not-color