Plants That Master The Art Of Deception

Some plants use sophisticated mimicry to survive, tricking animals into thinking they are dangerous, inedible, or even a mate. These botanical con artists often avoid being eaten or secure pollination services without offering any reward.

While we often associate mimicry with animals like chameleons, plants are just as devious. Some species mimic the appearance or scent of a female insect to lure males, who then unwittingly carry pollen away. Others disguise themselves as toxic plants to scare off hungry herbivores that would otherwise make a meal of them. Scientists are only just beginning to uncover these clever evolutionary scams hidden in plain sight.