New Species of Orchid Found - It Smells Like Sweaty Feet
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In Yosemite National Park, in California, an orchid grows that was previously unknown. It has small orb-like flowers, and smells like your old gym shoes.
Isn’t that special?
The orchid was discovered by botanist Alison Colwell, and she says the distinct aroma was what led her to the discovery. The actual credit is to be shared with two other unnamed scientists. This is not the only member of the orchid family indigenous to Yosemite. The first of the orchids in Yosemite was found in 1923 in a bog.
Because of the lilliputian size of the orchid, there will probably be no commercial value, odor emissions aside, say the discoverers.
Apparently the park has concerns that the orchid might disappear if the location of the discovery is published, so it remains a secret for now.
Tags: yosemite, orchids, california, botany