| Scent is a sexual attraction for the insect that will fertilize the flower. Orchids have evolved to release the scent at the time most favorable for the insect to be n the area.
Night scented orchids are mostly fertilized by moths.
Orchids fertilized by other insects will have different times.
Most orchids are not scented for the first couple of days they are open. If the seed and pollen are not ready to be fertilized the orchids will delay scent. Strength of the scent can fade with time.
It is interesting to note that a fertilized flower will immediately die and wrap its petals around the seed pod to protect the newly fertilized seed.
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jerry  |