An Israeli research found that the evening-primrose flowers distribute the flower pollen and raise the concentration of sugar in their nectar within three minutes of "hearing" the sound of bees and moths.
Hebrew-language newspaper Haaretz reported on Sunday that the researchers say the discovery may have an impact on understanding the evolution of flowers and insects.
The findings suggest that plants are also affected by other sounds, including human-made ones, that may damage the ability of flowers and bees to communicate.
The study shows that pollinating sounds and synthetic sounds at similar frequencies cause the petals to vibrate and provoke a rapid response, increasing the concentration of sugar in the nectar.
In one of their experiments, the researchers wrapped the flowers in soundless glass and then exposed the plant to the sounds of the pollinators. There was no increase in sugar concentration in the nectar.
According to the scientists, further studies may reveal that plants can hear and respond to herbivores, other animals, natural factors and possibly other plants.
