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Species of the month

Titan Arum, Corpse Flower

Amorphophallus titanum (Becc.) Becc., Bull. Soc. Tosc. Ortic. 4(2): 46 (1879)

Some facts about this flower:

Height of inflorescence: Over 3 metres (10 ft.)
Length of leaf: Up to 6 metres (20 ft.)
Weight of corm: Around 50 kg (110 lb.)
Width: 5 metres (16 ft.) across.
Life span: Each year, the old leaf dies and a new one grows in its place.
Range: Equatorial rainforests of Sumatra.
First discovered: In 1878 by the Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari.

Amorphophallus titanum is the largest flower in the world. The fully open inflorescence emits a repulsive, "rotting-fish-with-burnt-sugar" scent. This odor, which is strongest at night, is used to attract pollinators. The plant regularly produces a single, giant, umbrella-like leaf. The tuber then enters a dormant period of 4 months before producing another one.