Nice to look at but not to be around
(Open Section)

Dracunculus vulgaris is a striking thermogenic plant which uses its heat production to attract carrion loving pollinators. The appendix (the black spike) gives off a pungent aroma when the male florets (situated at the base of the appendix) heat up to 18°C on the night of pollen release. The velvety maroon spathe resembles decaying meat which in addition to the putrid smell is very appealing to flies and beetles. These visitors become trapped in the floral chamber and covered in pollen before being released the following morning. We are investigating the mechanism of thermogenesis in this amazing but stinky species.