The flower is beautiful, but when it withers, it transforms into a terrifying skull.

Those vibrant flowers are beautiful only when they are fresh, but once they wither, their appearance becomes somewhat frightening.

Snapdragon (also known as dragon flower or wolf's snout flower), scientifically named Antirrhinum , is one of the most widely cultivated flowers in Europe, America, and North Africa. It is so named because of its distinctive shape.

When in bloom, the flower resembles the gaping mouth of a dragon, and it will slightly close if gently squeezed. As the petals wither and prepare to fall, the flower transforms into bizarre, miniature "skulls."

With its resemblance to a living creature that can be born and die, the dragon flower has inspired many legends since ancient times.

When in bloom, the flower resembles the open mouth of a dragon, and it will slightly close if gently squeezed.

As the petals wither and prepare to fall, the flower transforms into bizarre, miniature skulls.

There are many stories about the strange and mysterious appearance of this flower. Among them is a legend that says if women eat the withered, skull-shaped flowers, they can regain their beauty and youth.

In ancient times, people said that this dragon flower possessed mystical powers, and they often placed them around their homes to protect them from curses and witchcraft. However, to this day, it remains just a legend.

During the Victorian era, the dragon flower was a symbol of deception, suspicion, and mystery because it possessed two contrasting appearances: when it bloomed and when it withered.

Many believe that carrying this flower can make them more mysterious and alluring. In the language of flowers, the dragon flower is also said to represent enchantment and grace.

However, the question arises: how could these beautiful dragon flowers transform into such terrifying skulls?

From a scientific perspective, biochemist and blogger Johanna L. Roose explains that it's all thanks to its unique structure and bidirectional symmetry.

She explained: "The skulls actually contain the seeds of the dragon flower after the flower has been pollinated and the petals begin to wither and curl slightly. The stigmas carrying pollen and the style that grows from the ovary will fall off, leaving holes that look like the eye sockets and mouth of the skull."

Looking at the dragon flower, one cannot help but be amazed by the wonder of nature. The deathly skulls easily make us forget how vibrant and full of life the dragon flower once was when it was in full bloom.