No one knows what's responsible for this waning of fragrance by roses and other ornamental-flower varieties, including carnations and chrysanthemums, but scientists who investigate floral scent suspect that the flower breeding that's led to an estimated 18,000 rose cultivars in an ever-widening spectrum has run roughshod over fragrance.Science News has an interesting article about the current research into the complex biochemistry of what makes flowers smell good (with some nice flower pictures too).
Tags: science, gardening
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