5 of the Strangest Looking Flowers

From monkey faces to tiny skulls, the strange shape of flowers has no limits.

By Allison Futterman
May 11, 2022 7:00 PM
Monkey orchid
(Credit: cotosa/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

The natural world is full of interesting and odd-looking organisms. In the animal kingdom, there’s the unusual hairless rat and the aptly named blobfish, — the world’s ugliest animal since 2013. There are also many floras with unusual appearances. Including a cactus whose shape resembles a brain and a variety of impatiens that look like dancing girls. There’s even a psychedelic plant called “Hooker’s Lips,” due to their bright red flower petals — a traditional Valentine’s Day gift in Central America.

While these flowers may look odd, there are some in the plant kingdom that are out of this world. Let's look at five of the strangest-looking flowers.

1. Bee Orchid

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.