Ask A Scientist© Botany Archive

name       Mikhaila
status     student
age        14

Question - Why do some flowers close up at night?
------------------------------------------------
Flowers might close at night (when temperatures cool and humidity is
higher) to protect the pollen from excessive moisture. Flowers are usually
open when pollinators (insects, birds) are active during the day, but there
are some night-opening flowers that are pollinated by night creatures such
as moths and bats.

Anthony R. Brach, Ph.D.
=========================================================