The heat needed to melt the snow is derived not from the sun but generated by the plant itself.
The Asian sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) can also regulate its flower temperature.
Another speciesPhilodendron selloumis even better at temperature regulation.
Biologists believe thermogenic plants generate heat to assist in pollination.
The heat also makes the thermogenic plants attractive to insects seeking warmth and comfort.
This is why thermogenesis is not commonly seen among plants.
During evolution these heat generating species died out and were replaced by plants having better pollination methods.
