Corpse Flower: The Giant Flower with a Unique Smell

There are many types of flowers in the world. In fact, surveys show that there are more than ten thousand species. However, even though they are called “flowers,” not all of them are beautiful in appearance or pleasant in fragrance. Some flowers have unusual appearances, and some even have unpleasant smells.

Today, LoveYouFlower would like to introduce everyone to a flower that is both strange-looking and foul-smelling. It is known as the Corpse Flower, or in English, it can also be called Titan Arum.

A Giant Flower That Is Not Only Large, but Also Extremely Strong-Smelling

The corpse flower, also known as Corpse Flower or Titan Arum — scientific name: Amorphophallus titanum — is a plant in the Rafflesia family. It has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest flower in the world because its bloom can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its underground part can also extend more than 1 meter deep.

This flower is considered rare and is native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra Island, Indonesia. Local people call it Bunga Bangkai, which means “corpse flower.” This name comes from the fact that, when it blooms, it releases a foul smell similar to rotting meat. While the smell is unpleasant to humans, it is highly attractive to insects.

Its petals are also dark red, making the flower resemble a large piece of rotting flesh. This appearance helps lure insects to the flower so they can assist with pollination. The first person to discover this flower was the botanist Odoardo Beccari, who found it in 1878.

How Can You Grow a Corpse Flower?

Growing a corpse flower yourself is not as easy as it may seem. As mentioned earlier, it is a rare plant and has a very strong unpleasant odor. If planted at home in an open area without a greenhouse, it would certainly disturb the neighbors.

However, for those who are truly interested in this plant, here is some basic information about this giant flower.

Since the corpse flower naturally grows in tropical rainforests, the suitable temperature for seed germination and plant growth is around 15–20°C. The seed germination period is approximately 5–15 days, depending on the species and weather conditions at the time.

After germination, the plant can grow to a height of around 1–3 meters. However, it is impossible to know exactly when the flower will bloom. Once blooming begins, it takes around 9–12 weeks to fully open before gradually withering on its own.

At present, corpse flowers are displayed in botanical gardens in many countries. In Thailand, this plant has also been brought in for cultivation. It was imported from the Bogor Botanical Gardens in Indonesia and displayed at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden on 7 June 2003, and again in 2006, 2007, and 2019 respectively.

Currently, corpse flowers are still displayed there for visitors to see. Anyone who visits can experience this giant flower in person.

Sources
https://www.livescience.com/
https://www.huntington.org/corpse-flower