I had the opportunity to view the Corpse Flower in bloom at the US Botanic Garden in DC. This was the first time this particular plant has bloomed and it took the plant six year to create this bloom. In two weeks the plant grew 54 inches. The name of the flower is derived from the putrid smell the bloom emits which is used to attract pollinators such as flies and beetles. The smell can be compared to rotting flesh or garbage sitting in the heat. We saw the bloom 10 hours after it initially opened and by that time the smell was faint due to the air circulation of visitors in the greenhouse. So much energy is used to grow and bloom that this magnificent bloom only lasts 24-48 hours.
(Amorphophallus titanum)
Standing tall at 88 inches
A botanical artist, Mara Menahan was on site the entire week prior to the bloom and during the bloom to capture this magnificent event
The US Botanic Garden in DC is located near the Capitol building.
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As a biology minor and science teacher, this is fascinating. Thanks for sharing!
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