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France TV documentary broadcast on Thursday, May 19 at 21:00

The abominable mystery of flowers


​Flowers are defying the impossible. Under their fragile appearance, they are fighters. Their history is that of a lightning conquest of the planet. Today, they represent 90% of all plant species. An unshared domination that has intrigued scientists for centuries. According to Charles Darwin, "the rapid development of flowering plants is an abominable mystery".

Published on 29 April 2022
Watch this documentary freely adapted from the book "L'histoire secrète des fleurs" by François Parcy (Editions Humensciences/Humensis - Collection Comment a-t-on su - 2019) of which François Parcy is the scientific advisor, on May 19, 2022 at 21:00 on France 5: Science grand format L’abominable mystère des fleurs.

© MAGNETO

Today, a new generation of scientists is trying to unravel this mystery. Paleontologists, biologists and geneticists are tracking down the slightest clue all over the world. From the African deserts to the forests of New Caledonia, via the summits of the Alps, they are making astonishing discoveries. Flowers have an unbridled sexuality, possess massive weapons of seduction and are more resistant than dinosaurs!

Step by step, the secrets of the queens of the plant world are revealed... What is the place of flowers in the tree of life? When did they appear on Earth? How to explain their prodigious diversification? And what are the superpowers that make them unbeatable? The time has come to solve the abominable mystery of flowers.

A complementary service is offered by Lumni, the educational platform of France Télévisions.


© MAGNETO


© MAGNETO


© MAGNETO


© MAGNETO


© MAGNETO


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