Tropical flowers are blooming weeks later than they used to through climate change
Phys.org
February 25, 2026
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Tropical flowers are blooming weeks to months later than they did in the past due to climate change, according to a study published in PLOS One by researchers from the University of Colorado–Boulder. By analyzing data on 8,000 flower species over more than two centuries, Skylar Graves and Erin Manzitto-Tripp found that rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have disrupted natural flowering cycles. Some plants now bloom earlier, while others delay blooming by weeks or even months—a significant shift with potential ecological consequences.
The study highlights how temperature increases, combined with altered rainfall patterns, are altering the timing of plant reproduction in tropical regions. For instance, certain species in drier areas are experiencing delayed monsoons and higher temperatures, causing them to bloom later than usual. This change can disrupt pollination cycles, affecting both plant populations and the wildlife that relies on them for food and habitat.
Understanding these shifts is crucial for scientists and communities alike. Flowering patterns serve as indicators of broader ecological changes, influencing everything from pollinator activity to local biodiversity. As tropical regions face faster rates of warming compared to other areas, such disruptions could have cascading effects on ecosystems and human livelihoods dependent on these plants. This research underscores the importance of long-term monitoring to grasp the full impact of climate change on natural systems.
The findings also emphasize the need for conservation efforts tailored to address these shifts, as altered flowering times can affect pollination success and seed production. For
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/25/2026