New Orchid Smells Like 'Sweaty Feet'

July 17th, 2007 in Biology /
New Orchid Smells Like 'Sweaty Feet' (AP)

This is an August 12, 2003 photo of the Yosemite bog-orchid taken in Yosemite, Calif., by the U.S. Geological Survey and released on Monday, July 16, 2007. Scientists announced Monday the discovery of the rare, new orchid species that flourishes only in the wet meadows of a beloved portion of Yosemite National Park. Botanist Alison Colwell said the species' tiny, tennis-ball yellow flowers weren't what first led her to it, but rather the smell of sweaty feet the Yosemite bog-orchid emits to attract would-be pollinators. (AP Photo/USGS, Alison Colwell)

(AP) -- A foul-smelling orchid that flourishes only in Yosemite National Park and was first collected in 1923 is a distinct species, scientists announced Monday after re-evaluating the flower.

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