Q. Why do flowers have an aroma?

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A. The fragrant perfume that many flowers give off is a great way to attract flies and insects. The odor comes from oil glands that are found in the leaves, flowers, roots or even the stem. The various chemistries of the oils determine what kind of perfume the flower will have. When the flies, bees and other insects stop for a visit at the sweet-smelling flowers, they carry away the plant's pollen when they leave. This helps create new plants.

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