The Titan Arum, or Corpse Flower, is a rare plant from Sumatra with a bloom reaching over eight feet tall. It emits a stench of rotting meat when it flowers.
The Titan Arum, Amorphophallus titanum, has been called the world’s largest flower, with a bloom that can grow to more than eight feet in height and four feet in diameter.
It is a rare tropical plant native to the equatorial rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia.
When in flower, it exudes a foul stench that smells like rotting meat.
For that reason, Indonesians call it Bunga Bangkai, which means “Corpse Flower.”
The plant grows from a large corm, a bulb-like tuber, under the soil.
The visible parts are the spadix (the fleshy upright column) and the spathe (the petal-like outer covering).
When the plant blooms, the spathe opens to reveal a velvety maroon interior and begins to emit a foul stench, earning it the nickname, “Stinky Plant.”
At the peak of its growth, the Stinky Plant can grow up to six inches a day!
The plant only blooms for 48 hours and John was able to view it at its peak last week in the San Diego Botanic Garden.
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About The Author
John Bagnasco has been in the gardening industry for over 50 years, starting with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University and following a stint at Frank’s Nursery and Crafts in Detroit.
After publishing his first book “Plants for the Home Vol. I” in 1976, he moved to California to become regional manager and buyer for the Nurseryland division of Sunbelt Nursery Group.
He then became the head buyer for Armstrong Garden Centers based in Glendora, California. John had a part-time affiliation with Creative Promotions for ten years before joining them full-time in October 2000 as a senior editor and radio personality for Garden Compass.
John has also taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University.
He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses,” which also features Bryan Main and Bruce and Sharon Asakawa.
His most recent book is “Planting Designs for Cacti and Succulents”.
Currently, John is a co-host on “Garden America,” an interactive live gardening show that additionally provides podcasts of the broadcasts accessible on all major platforms.
You can contact John here.