Temperature Regulation by the Inflorescence of Philodendron
Abstract
The inflorescence of Philodendron selloum temporarily maintains a core temperature of 38 degrees to 46 degrees C, despite air temperatures ranging from 4 degrees to 39 degrees C, by means of a variable metabolic rate. The heat is produced primarily by small, sterile male flowers that are capable of consuming oxygen at rates approaching those of flying hummingbirds and sphinx moths.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- December 1972
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.178.4066.1195
- Bibcode:
- 1972Sci...178.1195N