This plant is also known as the corpse flower as the female flowers emit a stink to attract flies which pollinate them. The pollination strategy is similar to that of the Rafflesia spp. (stinking corpse lily). However, the corpse flower is a monocot and the Rafflesia is a dicot.
Amorphophallus paeoniifolius is cultivated and the corms, flowers and fruits are harvested for food. The Rafflesia is a parasite that is devoid of roots, stems or leaves. The plant lives inside its host plant and only the flower buds break through the host, eventually producing large flowers that range from 12 cm – 120 cm depending on its species. The flower buds and flowers are harvested for food and preparation of herbal concoctions.
Art Toh & Peach Won
Singapore Botanic Gardens,
10 June 2024
