Titan Arum: the titan penis flower

Amorphophallus titanum is the full name of this wonder of nature, and a worthy name it is. It’s from Greek and basically comes from amorphos (=without form), phallos (=penis) and titan (=giant), so you could say it’s name loosely translates as shapeless titan penis - gotta love botanists.

It’s a giant flower, and much like the largest one around, Rafflesia Arnoldii, emits a scent similar to rotten meat. It’s inflorescence can reach 3 meters in circumference, weighing 100 kilos or more and when it blooms, its scent is so bad you can barely keep your food in your stomach. However, it’s this smell that attracts its food, beetles and flies.

The plant generally remains open 24-48 hours and requires numerous months to bloom, which is why there have been under 150 blossoms recorded, despite the fact that it’s relatively easy to cultivate. Also, another interesting fact about it is that it was elected as the official flower of the Bronx in 1939, but was replaced in 2000 (I wonder why). Oh well…