Have you ever smelled a chocolate flower? The scent will certainly remind you of the delicately melting candy. The only question is whether the chocolate flower owes its name solely to the scent or whether it is actually edible.
The chocolate flower smells deliciously of chocolate
Fragrant flowers
The chocolate flower is an extraordinary plant in every respect. Her name alone shows that. In a sunny location, its flowers exude a unique scent that is unmistakably reminiscent of chocolate. Children in particular are therefore inclined to taste the flowers. Unfortunately, disappointment comes at the latest when chewing. The taste has nothing in common with the smell. The flowers of the chocolate flower are completely uninteresting for culinary use.
Different varieties
Did you know that there are two types of chocolate flower?:
- Berlandiera lyrata (Aster)
- Cosmos atrosanguineus (Cosmee)
The real variant has yellow flowers and smells of milk chocolate. The other species is the black cosmos, which is only incorrectly referred to as the chocolate flower. However, its deep red flowers bear more resemblance to the sweet. It smells like bittersweet chocolate.
Poisonous?
Although the flowers of the chocolate flower are not edible, don't worry if children nibble on the plant. Consumption does not cause any health consequences in either humans or animals. Moreover, the amount consumed of a single flower would certainly not be enough to poison a human being.
Other dangers
However, caution is required in the event of a pest infestation. The chocolate flower is often infested by aphids. Children should not eat these. It becomes even more dangerous when the scent of strange chocolate flowers from the neighboring garden tempts children to eat it and they use chemical pesticides to control pests.
tips
It is best to combine chocolate flowers and colorful nasturtiums to keep pest infestation as low as possible. The composition not only creates a practical benefit, but also a wonderful look.