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Alexandra Bruce
August 6, 2013
The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), also known as the corpse flower or stinky plant, bloomed this week at the United States Botanic Garden Conservatory. Previously posted as a live stream for FKTV’s daily subscribers, that webcam has now been replaced by another titan’s dramatic blooming at Ohio State University last year, captured from two different angles. Once a titan is fully open, it may remain in bloom for 24 to 48 hours, and then collapses quickly.
The magic of the titan arum comes from its great size – it is reputed to have the largest known unbranched inflorescence in the plant kingdom. Referred to as the corpse flower or stinky plant, its putrid smell is most potent during peak bloom at night into the early morning. The odor is often compared to the stench of rotting flesh. The inflorescence also generates heat, which allows the stench to travel further. This combination of heat and smell efficiently attracts pollinators, such as dung and carrion beetles, from across long distances.
The titan arum does not have an annual blooming cycle. The time between flowering is unpredictable, which can span from a few years to a few decades. The plant requires very special conditions, including warm day and night temperatures and high humidity, making Botanic Gardens well suited to support this strange plant outside of its natural range.
This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, and was first discovered in 1878. Public viewing of this unique plant has occurred a limited number of times in the United States. The U.S. Botanic Garden last displayed a blooming titan arum in 2007.
Live Webcam
– See more at: http://www.usbg.gov/return-titan#sthash.B6pZnhV9.dpuf
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