Flowers’ value in nature is everywhere—they can feed insects, birds, animals, and even humans; give natural medicines for humans and some animals as well; and aid in a plant’s generation by enticing outside pollinators. Without flowers, plants would hardly be green, and the world would be a darker place.
Reproductive Aids
The primary purpose of flowers is to assist in plant breeding. Flowers provide an eye-catching characteristic to an otherwise bare, green-leaved plant. When insects, birds, and bats dip down to look at the flower and take its nectar, they are accidentally pollinating the plants by moving pollen or plant sperm from the male stamens to the female pistils.
Nectar for Insects, Birds, and Bats
Several insects feast on the nectar of flowers, but the most striking ones are bees, butterflies, wasps, and ants. Because these flowers rely on an outside source to pollinate them, some plants have developed to make themselves even more beautiful to their pollinators.
The bee orchid has even developed so that it appears as if a female bee is on the orchid. When in fact, the “bee” is part of the flower. The hibiscus and trumpet vine flowers have developed so that their nectar can be immediately taken and their pollen efficiently transmitted by sunbirds and hummingbirds.
Nectar and pollen-eating bats feed on flowers and plants from agave, saguaro, organ pipe, and carbon. Plants have developed only to open their flowers at night, thus freeing their nectar and pollen when convenient for bats.
Food Source for Humans
Rose petals have been used in teas and cooking for many centuries, as have daylilies, carnations, dandelions, clovers, and of course, daisies. Banana and citrus flowers can also be a good food source. The blossoms from chives, jasmine, garlic, basil, lavender, oregano, and sage can be applied as spices and herbs in food dishes. Other flowers, such as mint, chamomile, Angelica, and ginger, can be used in teas as well.
All these items are not only beautiful but also have benefits for our bodies, including antioxidants and calming properties. Entrepreneurs who plan to open a floral shop often want to create a niche around edible flowers, making them unique and appealing to their customers. What’s more, consuming flowers is not only limited to humans – animals such as deer, rabbits, and goats also include them in their diet.
Food Source for Animals
Rabbits and deer are the large flower predators in the animal kingdom. Pansies and geraniums are the first to be eaten, as are flowering vegetables. Raccoons, skunks, and groundhogs also bite on flowers from time to time.
Medicinal Aids
A lot of flowers have therapeutic uses, such as begonia for excreting toxins in the calendula and body, sunflower, and honeysuckle to heal tonsillitis and sore throats. Cornflower can also be used to treat acne, while valerian and California poppy reduce menstrual cramps. Cats even use flowers to cause vomiting and thus eliminate stomach discomfort.
Flower Delivery
Flower delivery is a great service offered by many floristry shops, if you want to have beautiful flowers at home but feel lazy to go out and get them. Flower delivery in many large US cities like Seattle, Chicago, Boston, LA, works great. You can just go to their website, scroll through the flowers and plants and choose the one you like the most. You are definitely going to receive an exceptional and fast service.
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