Amorphophallus titanum, corpse plant

Corpse flower bloom 2016 | United States Botanic Garden Amorphophallus titanum, also known as the corpse plant, has become the subject of fascination for many botanists and gardeners around the world. One must be extremely patient to see this unique flower bloom, as it takes the corpse plant an average of 7 years. Along with the spectacular sight of its distinct phallus-shaped spadix and tall stance, the corpse plant also emits an extremely stinky odor to attract pollinators. A. titanum, with its unique properties, stands out prominently among the plants of the greenhouse.

What does “Amorphophallus titanum” mean?
- This plant derives its name from three Latin root words: “Amorphos” (misshapen), “phallus” (penis), and “titanum” (giant). Quite literally, the corpse plant is regarded as a “giant misshapen penis”.
What are the physical characteristics of this plant?
- A. titanum has a swollen stem base (also known as the corm) where most of the plant’s energy is stored. The plant’s thick stem can shoot up to be up to 15 feet tall, where its crown jewels, the flowers, sit. A. titanum is an inflorescent
  In bloom
  
  plant (its flowers sit on one main branch), and its spadix of flowers is surrounded by a spathe, the petal-like structure around it.
Where does this plant grow?
- A. titanum grows predominantly in tropical parts of Asia, and it was first discovered in 1878 by Odoardo Beccari in Indonesia.
How is this plant pollinated?
- Perhaps the most fascinating feature of A. titanum, an odor similar to the smell of “corpses or rotting flesh” is emitted from the spadix of flowers to attract carnivorous insects such as flesh flies. The stinky smell A. titanum creates is meant to imitate rotting flesh, the very thing these insects crave. This plant also is able to raise its temperature to 98 °F, about human body temperature. After locating the corpse plant, pollinators search the inside of the spathe looking for food. Failing to find anything to it (having been fooled by the plant), the pollinator flies away, pollen stuck to its legs.
What is the lifespan of this plant?
- A. titanum can live up to 40 years.
  A. titanum cannot bloom until after 7-10 years of growth!
What is the conservation status of this plant?
- Because of habitat loss, A. titanum is categorized as “vulnerable” according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants.
What are some fun facts about this plant?
- A. titanum cannot bloom until after 7-10 years of growth!
- Cornell University is in possession of a corpse plant named Wee Stinky. Wee Stinky’s sibling is formally known as Carolus.
- A. titanum only blooms for 1-2 days.