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Two years ago Jim Booman, of local Plants for Kids, a renowned grower of rare and carnivorous plants, loaned Quail Botanical Gardens an Amorphophallus titanum , or Corpse Flower plant, and this year its sister plant is making its debut. Native to Indonesia, the plant rarely blooms in its 40-year life span, and not often in cultivation. For about eight hours during its blooming cycle it emits an odor likened to "rotten eggs or road kill" to attract pollinating, carrion-eating beetles, hence the name Corpse Flower.
"It is always a thrill to have such a rare and exotic visitor to the Gardens," commented Julian Duval, QBG Executive Director. "The titan arum is truly one of the wonders of nature, and we're very fortunate to be able to display it to the public," added Duval. "But the plant is unpredictable and opens quickly and doesn't last long. Either call the Gardens (760-436-3036 x206) or check its progress on the web site (http://www.qbgardens.org) to make sure you see—and smell— it in its full glory," said Duval. The Corpse Flower will be displayed in the Bamboo Garden during its visit.
The plant begins as a large tuber. It then sends up a solitary pointed shoot that can grow at the rate of six inches a day, sometimes reaching 12 feet in height. Not a lot is known about the plant as it is difficult to find in the wild, especially flowering. The Corpse Flower plant has only been seen in bloom about 20 times since it was first displayed in New York in 1937.
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Not the Only Superstar at QBG
Every year at this time the spectacular Victorian Waterplatters reach their largest growth and bloom. Nicknamed "Waterlilies on Steroids" by QBG's Director of Horticulture, Dave Ehrlinger, and located in the pond in the Bamboo Garden, these plants are supersized. The floating leaves are five to six feet in diameter and can support up to 150-200 pounds. The huge showy flowers are 12 to 18 inches across. Large plants can produce several hundred blooms.
In the 19th century these spectacular plants were discovered and named after Queen Victoria of England. They were carefully grown in large pools in the newly invented greenhouses of that era. Today these rarely cultivated plants are still prized specimens.
About Quail Botanical Gardens
The mission of Quail Botanical Gardens is to actively participate in the conservation of rare, threatened and endangered plant species, to serve the botanical and horticultural needs of San Diego County, and to exist as an urban retreat. Quail Botanical Gardens is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization supported through earned revenues, gifts from individuals, corporate sponsorships, and grants. For more information, visit http://www.qbgardens.com, or call 760-435-3036.
Media Contact: Cynthia Jones
Quail Botanical Gardens
(760) 436-3036, or
619-204-4231
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| Jim Booman, owner of the two Titan Arums on loan to QBG. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Jones. | Amorphophallus blooming timeline July, 2002. Photos courtesy of Claire Ehrlinger. |
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| Sue Zesky, office manager at Quail Botanical Gardens, records the growth of the Corpse Flower plant twice a day. It's currently averaging two inches per day, but will accelerate closer to its bloom. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Jones. | Sarah, daughter of QBG employee experiences the distinctive smell. Photo courtesy of Claire Ehrlinger. |
| Amorphophallus Growth Data 2004 | |||
| Date | Time | Height (in.) | Circumference (inches) |
| 15-Sep | 16:10 | 24.5 | |
| 16-Sep | 10:30 | 25.5 | |
| 16-Sep | 16:00 | 26.5 | |
| 17-Sep | 9:00 | 27.5 | |
| 17-Sep | 16:15 | 27.75 | |
| 19-Sep | 13:00 | 29.25 | |
| 20-Sep | 11:00 | 31 | |
| 20-Sep | 15:40 | 32 | |
| 22-Sep | 10:15 | 37 | |
| 23-Sept | 10:30 | 41 | |
| 24-Sept | 11:00 | 43 | 32 |
| 25-Sept | 10:25 | 45 | 34 |
| 26-Sept | 10:00 | 47 | 35.5 |
| 27-Sept | 8:00 | 49.5 | 38 |
| 28-Sept | 8:00 | 51 | 38 |
| 29-Sept | 8:00 | 52 | NA |
| 30-Sept | 8:00 | 53+ | 39 |
| 01 - Oct | 8:15 | 55 | 40 |
| 02 - Oct | noon | 56+ | 40 |
| 03 - Oct | 11:30 | 56.5 | 41 |
| 04 - Oct | 10:30 | 57.5 | 42 |
| 05 - Oct | 11:45 | 59 | 42 |
| 06 - Oct | 7:45 | Blooming! | |
| 07 - Oct | Closed | ||
| 12 - Oct | Falling over | ||
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| Sheath has totally fallen away. |
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| Sue Z., QBG staff member has been faithfully measuring "Mr. Stinky" each day. |
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| Started opening sometime during the night |
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| "It smells like porta-potty!". exclaimed Sarah, daughter of Dave, the Director of Horticulture. |
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| Beginning to close but still smelly. The smell comes in waves. |
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| Closed yet smelly |
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| Falling over, still smelly |
http://www.qbgardens.org/news/articles/09232004.shtml
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