Event at the Nancy Botanical Garden. The biggest flower in the world, Amorphophallus titanum from its scientific name and “Titan Penis” from its nickname, it flourished there this Tuesday afternoon. The moment is especially precious since flowering only lasts a maximum of 72 hours and this only happens after six years of little care.
“This species has been cultivated here for 30 years and this has never happened,” he explains to this republican Frédéric Pautz, director of the botanical garden.
To allow it to hatch, the greenhouse was kept at a constant temperature of 27°C and the plant was watered and sprayed regularly.
“Corpse Flower”
Nancy’s flower is two meters tall and weighs 33 kilos, reports Release, but other specimens of the species can reach three meters and exceed 100 kilograms. It takes the form of a long fleshy stem composed of several flowers and surrounded by petals.
For the occasion, the botanical garden will remain open until midnight so that as many people as possible can enjoy the phenomenon. However, some curious people may soon become annoyed by the bad odors emanating from the flower.
Although its flowering period is very short, its reproduction must be ensured as soon as possible. It does this by spreading the hints of rotting, decaying meat to attract pollinating insects, also earning it the nickname “corpse flower.”
Endangered Species
As detailed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this species native to the tropical forests of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia is threatened with extinction. In fact, although it has a long life, between 30 and 40 years, its rare blooms give rise to rare reproductions.
Furthermore, Amorphophallus titanum is threatened by deforestation and palm oil plantations in this country. “Furthermore, the myth that the Titan Arum is a predator of humans leads to the destruction of the species when people find it on their farmlands,” the IUCN writes.
Source: BFM TV
