Oooo, that smell!

A few weeks ago I discussed the sometimes-stinky nature of, well, nature. Nothing illustrates that point quite like the flower I'm exploring today: the Corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum). Three guesses as to what this unique specimen smells like. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Before I explain the special eau de parfum of this particular plant, I feel compelled to point out the unique attributes that attract people from far and wide, just to catch a glimpse (and an unfortunate whiff) of it.

Size: As the name Amorphophallus titanium suggests, this native of Sumatra (an island in Indonesia) is a titan, with a flower spike deemed the largest in the plant kingdom. In fact, the enormous tower of flower power boasts rings of both male and female flowers, produced along the base of the central spike (AKA the spadix), which is surrounded by a frilly spathe (the sheathing bract enclosing the flower cluster). This spike reaches anywhere from 6-12 feet in height!

Color: The blossom's rich, crimson hue dazzles the eye--especially when combined with its gargantuan size. It transforms the mind-bending florals of Disney's Fantasia into real-life plants.

Growing habit: Like all things in life, waiting is the hardest--but most rewarding--part of this plant's process. It takes literally years for the flower buds to form (on average 7- 10 years), but when they do, look out--and look quick. In a matter of days, the enormous spike grows, 4-6 inches a day. Once it reaches its glorious bloom, take it all in as fast as you can, because it will shrivel and die within 36 hours. The specimen pictured above lives at The New York Botanical Garden in Bronx, NY. It was gifted to the famous garden in 2007, and is just now blooming.

Odor: Okay, there's no getting around it, this plant smells like rotting meat. The stench is vital to attracting pollinators that feed on dead animals. Lovely, huh? One kind viewer described the flower's unique odor as follows: "You know when you lose your child's sippy cup of milk in the car and it takes a few weeks to resurface? Once you find it, it goes right into the trash because there's no getting rid of that stench. That's the most accurate description I can come up with."

Thanks for that...I think.