Chocolate lilies possess a distinctive and often unpleasant odor, most frequently described as smelling like rotting flesh, smelly socks, or an outhouse. This unusual scent plays a crucial role in the plant's pollination strategy.
Why Chocolate Lilies Smell Bad
The unpleasant odor of a chocolate lily isn't a flaw, but a deliberate evolutionary adaptation. The stench attracts flies, which are the primary pollinators of these flowers. The flies, drawn in by the smell of decaying matter, land on the flower and inadvertently transfer pollen from one plant to another.
Smell Perception Varies
It's important to note that not everyone perceives the smell of a chocolate lily the same way. While many find it repulsive, some may find it less offensive, or even describe it as a faint, musky odor. The intensity of the smell can also vary depending on the specific plant, its location, and environmental conditions.
Summary
In conclusion, chocolate lilies generally smell like rotting flesh, smelly socks, or an outhouse due to volatile organic compounds released to attract flies for pollination. This smell is not consistent from bloom to bloom or from person to person.
