Rose Facts & the Secret of Its Thorns — A Nature Picture Book
What makes a rose so fascinating?
Loved for its beautiful blooms and lovely scent, the rose is an amazing plant that even carries thorns. Let's explore the science hidden behind all that beauty.
Nature and science facts about roses
A rose's thorns are actually hardened outgrowths of the stem's outer skin called "prickles." They protect the flower and stem from plant-eating animals and help climbing roses cling as they grow up a wall. The main compounds behind the scent (such as geraniol) have a calming effect and are used in perfumes and aromatherapy — and it takes tens of thousands of petals to produce a single drop of rose oil. There are about 150 species of wild rose worldwide, and more than 30,000 cultivated varieties.
What Tangobook's «Rose» covers
Tangobook's «Rose» beautifully shows a bud opening petal by petal, the bees and butterflies drawn to its scent, the stem that guards itself with thorns, and roses in many different colors.
Great points to observe together
Point out things like the thorns (protection and support), the scent (attracting insects), the layered petals, and the many colors. Talking about "Why does a rose have thorns?" together is a wonderful place to start.
Parent guide — extending into observation and hands-on play
Smell a rose together and describe "what it feels like." Observe the thorns without touching them, talk about "why it has thorns," and try counting the petals one by one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Why does a rose have thorns?
A. To protect the flower and stem from plant-eating animals, and to help climbing roses cling as they grow up a wall.
Q. How is rose perfume made?
A. The scent compounds are extracted from the petals, and it takes tens of thousands of petals to get a single drop.
Q. How can we observe roses at home?
A. Smell the scent and describe it, observe the thorns (without touching), and count the petals.
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Curious about "Rose"?
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