Titan arum: One of the world’s rarest flowers blooming at University of Warsaw; what makes the ‘corpse flower’ unique |

Source: Notes from Poland

The University of Warsaw Botanical Garden is abuzz with excitement as it hosts a truly extraordinary event. The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), renowned as one of the rarest and most remarkable plants on Earth, has begun its spectacular bloom. Its colossal size, unusual flowering process, and dramatic appearance are captivating visitors and plant enthusiasts alike. Crowds of curious onlookers have gathered to witness this botanical wonder up close, drawn by the plant’s fleeting yet mesmerizing display. Known for its powerful scent and towering inflorescence, the titan arum offers a rare glimpse into nature’s extraordinary adaptations. Each bloom is unpredictable, making this event a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those eager to marvel at its unique beauty.

Titan arum blooms again: Corpse flower reaches over 180cm with spectacular opening

The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), often dubbed the “corpse flower” due to its distinctive odor, started its remarkable flowering process at approximately 1:00 am on 5th August. This is the plant’s second bloom in recent years, and experts note that it has matured significantly, producing a far larger inflorescence compared to previous blooms.Just before opening, the titan arum reached a staggering height of over 180 centimetres. Its enormous leaf began to unfurl dramatically inside the university’s greenhouses, creating a mesmerizing display. Over the following eight hours, the plant continued to grow and reveal its spectacular flower.By 6:00 am, the leaf span had extended to 122 centimetres, while the titan arum itself towered above 180 centimetres. Piotr Dobrzyński, the plant’s caretaker, described the flowering as “very dynamic,” noting that the arum lily looks truly spectacular as it opens. During this time, observers could also notice a striking rise in the plant’s internal temperature, which peaked at 68 degrees Celsius.

How the titan arum uses heat and smell to attract pollinators

One of the most unusual features of the titan arum is its ability to heat up during flowering. This rare biological process, known as inflorescence thermogenesis, is critical for the plant’s reproduction.The titan arum increases its internal temperature by several degrees, a mechanism that serves two main purposes. First, the heat helps disperse its strong and pungent odor, famously reminiscent of rotting meat. This scent is not unpleasant for pollinators—in fact, it’s highly attractive to them. Carrion flies and beetles, the plant’s natural pollinators, are drawn to the smell as it mimics the scent of decaying animals.Second, the warmth of the bloom imitates the body heat of dead animals, making the plant even more enticing for its pollinators. By creating a combination of heat and odor, the titan arum ensures that insects approach and assist in pollination, completing this rare and fascinating reproductive process.

Titan arum bloom attracts visitors to witness nature’s giant floral wonder

The titan arum’s bloom is not only a scientific marvel but also a major attraction for visitors. Its massive size, unusual flowering cycle, and the sensory experience of its smell and heat make it one of the most captivating plants in botanical gardens worldwide. Each bloom is unpredictable and short-lived, often lasting only a day or two, which adds to the excitement and rarity of witnessing this event in person.For visitors at the University of Warsaw Botanical Garden, the titan arum is more than a plant—it is a living spectacle that demonstrates the incredible diversity and ingenuity of nature. Its fleeting bloom provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe one of the largest and most unusual flowers on Earth.

Unique features of ‘corpse plants’