arlington
20-Nov-2005

Amorphophallus titanum - 20.nov.05

Went down to the Botanic Garden this morning and waited on line to see the titan arum.

The Titan arum has the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world and can be taller than a man (or a woman).
First discovered in 1878 in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Considered to be the most spectacular bloom in the plant world.
A mature bloom could ultimately measure 7-12 feet in height. But this one was a couple of inches shorter than me.
A mature leaf could measure 20 feet in height and 15 feet in diameter.
Mature plant releases powerful waves of odor to attract pollinators.
Amorphophallus means "shapeless phallus."
The bloom will last only 2-3 days. After blooming the flower collapses.
The "stinking" odor lasts only the first 8 hours the bloom is open. Luckily, I arrived while the odor was still on the job.