Which plant flowers itself to death?

Flowers are one of the most beautiful things found in nature. They add splashes of colour to a garden and often perfume the air with sweetness. But what are flowers actually for?

Flowers are what trees need in order to reproduce. It’s hard to tell, but plants actually have male and female parts. In order for a seed to form, pollen from a male plant must meet with an egg from a female plant. After a plant is pollinated the flower falls off the plant and a seed is created which can grow into a new plant.

But it takes a lot of energy to make a flower. The bigger the flower, the more energy it takes. And on the island of Madagascar, scientists have recently discovered a rare palm tree that flowers itself to death!

Tahina palms are massive, and extremely rare. For up to 50 years, the palms grow without producing a single flower. They can reach heights of up to 60 feet! Then, the top of the tree bursts into flowers which attract swarms of birds and insects to pollinate it and help it produce fruit. But this is so draining on the tree that dies shortly afterward.

There are a few other palm species that have terminal flowerings, but the Tahina palm is one of the most spectacular. Because it’s so rare, scientists are keeping its location secret, like a hidden treasure, as they attempt to gather enough seeds to ensure that the endangered species will survive. They have to be careful though; the tahina palm is so big, it can be seen using Google Earth!