Another Corpse flower about to bloom
Another rare and endangered Corpse flower is about to bloom at Adelaide Botanic Garden.
The Corpse flower or Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum) is known for its pungent odour and grand height of around two metres.
The plant could bloom as early as October 12, and only flowers for 48 hours, while at the same time emitting a stench, which has been likened to rotting flesh.
Botanic Gardens Horticultural Curator and Titan Arum propagator Matt Coulter said conservation is a key driver in growing the plant.
“We learn something new every time a plant flowers, and this knowledge is vital to conserving the species,” Mr Coulter said.
“The strong smell is very effective at attracting pollinators in the wild, but it can take 10 years for the plant to flower and it can only be pollinated for one night.
“If it doesn’t get pollinated that night, it can take another three years for a new flower to emerge.”
This is the fourth Titan Arum to bloom at the Botanic Gardens, which Gardens Director Dr Lucy Sutherland attributes to the expert knowledge and dedication of staff.
“The Titan Arum is only found in Sumatra and is endangered due to deforestation,” Dr Sutherland said.
“The plant is notoriously difficult to propagate, but our dedicated horticultural team have developed successful growing techniques.”
Visitors to Adelaide Botanic Garden are advised that there may be a long queue outside the Bicentennial Conservatory to see the flower once it blooms, so they should come prepared with water, sunscreen and a hat.
The plant could flower anytime from 12-20 October, and updates will be posted on the Adelaide Botanic Garden Facebook page.
The conservatory is open daily, from 10am to 4pm and is free to visit, however donations are welcome to help the Botanic Gardens conserve this and other rare and threatened plant species.
