Amorphophallus titanum, Titan aro, corpse flower. Not all flowers are scented. Amorphophallus titanum, also known as aro titan, is the largest flower in the world and does not smell at all, on the contrary, it stinks. In Anglo-Saxon countries it is known by the name of "corpse flower" because, according to those who have been able to smell it, its unpleasant smell recalls that of decaying organic matter (the term "corpse" means corpse).
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Not all flowers are scented. L'Amorphophallus titanum, Also known as titanium set, and the largest flower in the world and it doesn't smell at all, on the contrary, it stinks. In Anglo-Saxon countries it is known by the name of "corpse flower" because, according to those who have been able to smell it, its unpleasant smell recalls that of decaying organic matter (the term "corpse" means corpse).
The plant of the aro titano presents the most great inflorescence of the plant world. The largest and most smelly flower in the world is native to the island of Sumatra, in the Indonesian archipelago. The flower was described for the first time by the Florentine botanist Odoardo Beccari and just a Firenze, in 2007, it was possible to witness one of its extraordinary blooms. The flower was (and still is hosted) at the Garden of Simple, in the Tuscan capital.
This tropical flower is now as rare as its flowering. In fact, the aro titan only blooms for three days a year. It is present only in the tropical forests of the island of Sumatra and in some botanists that host it in the world, with the aim of preserving its species. The flower can reach 3 meters high and its putrid smell can be felt from a distance.
The unusual flower is grown from a tuber, which is part of the diet of the Indonesian populations. From the same tuber a particular vegetable fiber is extracted, used at a herbalist level to obtain natural remedies againstobesity. The flowering of the aro titan is always long-awaited, but it does not happen every year.
That's why at the botanical garden of Brooklin, where there is a specimen of the corpse flower, one was placed web cam which takes up the gigantic flower every 30 seconds, to follow its development. One of the most spectacular blooms occurred in 2002, inside the Royal Botanic Gardens of Richmond upon Thames, a few miles from London.
photo source: dailymail.co.uk
photo source: nbcnews.com
Now, the flowering of the aro titan is attracting hundreds of tourists to Belgium, the Brussels. The curious wait in line to be able to admire this unpleasant-smelling flower for a few moments. For the occasion, the national botanical garden that hosts it has decided to extend its opening from sunrise to sunset. The flower gives off the characteristic unpleasant smell starting from its most imposing portion, which rises towards the sky from the center of the corolla, overlooking the visitors.
Its petals have a yellow and purplish color. This is the third flowering, starting from 2008, for the corpse flower hosted in Brussels. Its height is 2,44 meters. Just today, Wednesday 10 July, it should be thelast day of its flowering. Tourists will therefore have to hurry to be able to admire it. In a few hours it will fade, taking away its unbearable smell as well.
Marta Albè
Photo source: softpedia.com
