How do flowers get their smells?

How do flowers get their smells?

From Brains On! Science podcast for kids by Brains On Universe

March 17, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

This episode explores how flowers produce their unique scents and features a discussion with evolutionary chemical ecologist Dr. Kelsey Byers.

Flowers are famous for their smells. Most are sweet, but a few are downright stinky. Either way, the science of how and why they make these scents is fascinating. Join Molly and co-host Isla as they learn about pollinators, flower smells and the mighty corpse flower! Plus a smell for your ears: the Mystery Sound! Guest: Dr Kelsey Byers, evolutionary chemical ecologist and group leader at the John Innes Center. Want to support the show? Join Smarty Pass to listen to ad-free episodes or donate! Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon! March 7 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI March 8 - Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, MN March 28 - Center Stage, Atlanta, GA March 29 - Amaturo Theater, Fort Lauderdale, FL April 11 - Walker Theater, Chattanooga, TN April 12 - Carolina Theater, Durham, NC April 25 - Marines Memorial, San Francisco, CA April 26 - Newmark Theater, Portland, OR May 30 - Electric City, Buffalo, NY May 31 - Royal Theatre, Toronto, ON Click here for an episode transcript See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Molly, Isla

Guest: Dr Kelsey Byers

Topics covered

  • flower smells
  • pollinators
  • corpse flower
  • science of scents
  • evolutionary ecology

Keywords

  • flowers
  • smells
  • pollinators
  • corpse flower
  • science
  • ecology
  • scent production

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: John Innes Center

Places: Milwaukee, WI, St. Paul, MN, Atlanta, GA, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Chattanooga, TN, Durham, NC, San Francisco, CA, Portland, OR, Buffalo, NY, Toronto, ON

More episodes of Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Brains On! Science podcast for kids podcast page.