transparent-flowers:Corpse flower. Titan arum. The trademark aroma of the titan arum - a.k.a. “cor
transparent-flowers: Corpse flower. Titan arum. The trademark aroma of the titan arum - a.k.a. “corpse flower” is its nauseating stench likened to rotting flesh. The tall, 5 foot, conical central stalk of the bloom, called the spadix, generates a tremendous amount of heat that propels oils called putrecines and cadavarines into the air. When the bloom opens, its ribbed, petal-like leaves resemble an upturned fluted bell with a rich maroon interior. The blooms can be as much as 5 feet in diameter and can occur every two years. The bloom usually lasts only 72 hours before collapsing. But it’s the plant’s putrid odor - strongest at night - that is as striking as its size. The stinky blossom attracts pollinators, insects such as flies and carrion beetles that normally feed on dead animals. -- source link