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World's Largest (And Smelliest) Flower Blooming

Posted by timothy on from the who-could-miss-*that*?! dept.

Bob Plankers writes: "It seems that the world's largest and smelliest flower is about to bloom for the 12th recorded time in captivity. The Amorphophallus titanum ("Titan Arum"), or corpseflower, stands up to ten feet high and when it blooms it emits a putrid odor, not unlike that of corpses. The University of Wisconsin -- Madison Botany Department is home to this rare bloom." Better jet for Madison for this rare opportunity.

4 of 14 comments (clear)

  1. At the the other UW too by diaphanous · · Score: 4

    We also have one blooming in the greenhouse at the University of Washington as well. I believe that the two Universities are planning on mating the two plants together.

  2. And afterwards... by Zaphod+B · · Score: 2

    And after the bloom withers (side note: if it smells like a corpse while in full bloom, what must it smell like while the blossom rots?), the attendees will celebrate with a feast of durian.


    Zaphod B
    --
    Zaphod B
    When duplication is outlawed, only outlaws will have /bin/cp
  3. 12 in the US, not the world by siliconowl · · Score: 3
    It seems that the world's largest and smelliest flower is about to bloom for the 12th recorded time in captivity.
    Not quite, it is blooming for the 12th recorded time in the US. A similar specimin flowered in Kew Gardens (UK) during the August of 1999. I don't imagine it has been the only one outside the US either.
    --
    (\/)atthew
  4. To go or not to go by drodver · · Score: 2

    I've been debating if I should go see this flower or not. I live in Madison and could easily go down there but it sounds suspiciously like the plot or Little Shop of Horrors.

    Feed me Seymour, feed me!