Red Trillium, also known as Trillium erectum, is a fascinating plant that can be found in the eastern third of the state. One of the intriguing aspects of this plant is the various names it goes by, including “red wake-robin” and “stinking Benjamin.” Today, I would like to explore the reason behind the latter name and shed some light on this interesting phenomenon.
The name “stinking Benjamin” is derived from the pungent odor emitted by the flower of the red trillium when it is fresh. The flower releases a distinct wet dog-like smell that can be quite strong and unpleasant to some. This distinctive aroma is the reason behind the descriptive name.
Now, you might be wondering why a flower would emit such an odor. Well, the answer lies in the plant’s reproductive strategy. The red trillium relies on flies and beetles for pollination, rather than the more common bees and butterflies. These insects are attracted to the odor, which mimics the scent of decaying flesh. While this may not be the most appealing fragrance to humans, it serves as a lure for the specific pollinators that the red trillium depends on.
In nature, plants have evolved various strategies to attract pollinators, and scent is just one of them. The red trillium has adapted to rely on flies and beetles as its primary pollinators, and the foul odor it emits is a key part of this strategy. Interestingly, some other plant species also employ similar tactics, such as the corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum), which also emits a strong odor of rotting flesh to attract pollinators.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to encounter the red trillium in the wild, and I must say, the smell is quite distinctive. It is not something easily forgotten. While some may find the scent off-putting, I find it fascinating how plants have evolved to use different means to ensure their survival and reproduction.
The red trillium is called “stinking Benjamin” due to the pungent odor emitted by its flower. This odor serves as a lure for flies and beetles, which are the primary pollinators of this plant species. While the smell may not be pleasant to humans, it is a crucial part of the red trillium’s reproductive strategy. Nature never fails to amaze with its diversity and ingenuity.
