An Amorphophallus titanum (Titan Arum) plant is frequently referred to as a "corpse flower" due to the scent of decaying flesh it gives off as it opens. The bloom is only open for 24-48 hours and then it rapidly collapses.
When I arrived at the U.S. Botanic Garden, there was no stinky scent, but the flower itself was very much open and very cool to see. The conservatory had noted it currently had 14 titan arum plants, two nursery purchased and several donated seedlings. When will the next one bloom? Due to the fact the Titan Arum blooms do not happen with any regularity, it could be years or decades.
But if it does, I'll be heading downtown!
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| You can't see from this image, but the corpse flower has a long stem. This particular plant was said to be about 8-feet tall! |
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| A closer view... |
I was there last year, Leigh, just before it opened so didn't get to see it in person. My son sent me pictures. Love your closeup.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen, thanks so much for stopping by and for commenting. Did your son catch the "stink'? It's amazing what nature can do.
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