7.4 Sweet Nectar

In 2019 it was shown that the buzzing of bees can trigger remarkable responses in plants. The evening primrose (Oenothera) can produce sweeter nectar when exposed to bee-like sound vibrations — and it does so in just three minutes.

The same effect occurs when using synthetic sounds with frequencies similar to bees. Scientists hypothesise that the flower’s shape helps capture environmental vibrations efficiently — acting almost like an antenna.

Are flowers the “ears” of plants? Do plants hear us? And why would a plant do this?

From an evolutionary perspective, being able to attract pollinators in this way offers a clear advantage.

Is this extraordinary behaviour evidence of intelligence — or an automatic biochemical mechanism?