Titan Arum (Corpse Flower) – A Rare and Fascinating Giant Bloom
The Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum) is one of the largest and most unique flowers in the world. It’s also known as the “Corpse Flower” because it gives off a strong, unpleasant smell similar to rotting flesh when it blooms.
How Often Does It Bloom?
The Titan Arum takes 7 to 10 years to bloom just once!
When it does bloom, the flower lasts for only 48 to 72 hours (2-3 days) before it wilts.
While blooming, the flower generates heat and releases a strong odor to attract insects for pollination.
Fascinating Facts About the Titan Arum
✅ Size – It can grow over 3 meters (10 feet) tall!
✅ Weight – The flower can weigh more than 50 kg (110 lbs).
✅ Smell – It produces a rotting meat-like odor to attract insects like flies and beetles.
✅ Pollination – It relies on carrion beetles and flesh flies to spread its pollen.
✅ Conservation – Since it’s rare, botanical gardens worldwide cultivate it for preservation.
Where Does It Grow?
🌿 Natural Habitat:
Found mainly in Sumatra, Indonesia, in tropical rainforests.
🏡 Cultivated in Botanical Gardens Around the World:
United States – Chicago Botanic Garden, New York Botanical Garden
United Kingdom – Kew Gardens
Sri Lanka – Peradeniya Botanical Garden
Japan, Germany, and other countries also have a few in botanical collections.
Is It Endangered?
✅ IUCN Status: Endangered – Meaning its numbers are decreasing.
✅ Threats: Deforestation and habitat destruction.
✅ Conservation Efforts: Botanical gardens and rainforest protection projects are working to save this incredible plant.
Why Is the Titan Arum So Special?
Seeing a Titan Arum bloom is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because it happens so rarely. When it does, it’s an unforgettable sight—a towering, otherworldly flower with a powerful (and smelly) presence!