Amorphophallus titanum is its scientific name, but the species is famously known as the corpse flower. This moniker comes from its notorious odor, which resembles rotting meat. When exposed to sunlight for several days, the smell can become overpowering, making it uncomfortable to stay nearby for long. Although many call it the corpse flower, that name sticks because of the strong scent it emits. The plant is truly remarkable in size, often surpassing two meters in height and weighing well over 126 kilograms.
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Why does the corpse flower smell so strong?
The smell serves a purpose: it attracts pollinating insects that enable pollen exchange and reproduction. Flies searching for carrion are drawn to the scent, aiding the plant’s reproductive cycle.
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Other features that set it apart
Amorphophallus titanum, often called the corpse plant, can exceed 3 meters in height. It grows from a tuber that sends up a single stem up to 1 meter long. On this stem, a lone leaf and a flower stalk emerge alternately. The flowering process is exceptionally slow, advancing about 10 centimeters each day. A notable fact is that the male flowers open one day after the female flowers, and the plant thrives in primary forests. Once pollinated, the flower can develop into a red or yellow fruit with a spherical form that is truly fascinating to observe.
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Where does the corpse flower grow?
Blooming of the corpse flower is a rare event. Its immense size and spectacle mean it can take seven to ten years before the first bloom appears. After that initial bloom, the plant tends to flower again only every four to five years. The most astounding part is that once the bloom arrives, it lasts only about 48 hours before wilting. When a bloom does occur, it draws crowds of tourists eager to witness this natural spectacle, even though its odor makes it difficult to linger nearby. The most famous recent bloom in a public collection occurred at the San Diego Botanical Garden in 2018, drawing thousands of visitors who came to see and smell the remarkable flower.