Corpse Flower: Emerson Chen's journal

Just what makes this flower so special, anyway?

By Emerson Chen

Davis, Aug. 4 -- Perhaps you are wondering why the corpse flower has attracted so many fans throughout the world. And, why hasn't this attention been paid to other flowers?  You might even ponder if it really worth it to see and smell the flower live in the conservatory.

Well, the A. titanum fascinated me the moment Ernesto Sandoval, the curator, told me the one large plant is a single leaf. From that instant, I knew the corpse flower is something special.

Although I missed the flowering last year, I am already excited about the blooming as I await and observe it three days a week.

The corpse flower is one of the largest plant reproductive structures in the world. In fact, what is called the flower is actually made up of many tiny flowers and can reach as high as 10 feet and several feet across.

Unique life cycle

The unique life cycle also amazes plant lovers. Unlike other flowers, the only leaf of the plant falls over and breaks off before the corpse flower can start blooming. The bud pushes out from the ground and starts growing 1 inch a day. However, it can speed up to several inches a day. That sure is fast!

Furthermore, as suggested by its name, the corpse flower has a distinct stench that will impress visitors for the rest of their lives. Chemicals produced by the flower become volatile as the inside of the flower heats up.

The strong odor then disperses in the air to attract pollinators such as flies and certain beetles. But in this case, I hope the visitors will not be repulsed by the odor.

Missed the orchid cactus bloom

Personally, I was saddened when I missed the blooming of the orchid cactus, or Epiphylum, in the conservatory earlier this summer. The flower, also called queen of the night, has an intense aroma that lasted only one night.

However, I will be here when the corpse flower blooms. And I know it will make just as memorable an impression by being the ‘atrocious king’ for that day.