Scent: A Natural History of Fragrance

A fascinating exploration of the natural history of scent and human perceptions of fragrance from the viewpoint of plant and pollinator



Plants have long harnessed the chemical characteristics of aromatic compounds to shape the world around them. Frankincense resin from the genus Boswellia seals injured tissues and protects trees from invading pathogens. Jasmine produces a molecule called linalool that attracts pollinating moths with its flowery scent. Tobacco uses a similarly sweet-smelling ...