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"Ted
The Titan" ARUM
by Jim M. Goldstein |
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"Ted the Titan", a Titan Arum or Corpse Flower, has bloomed
at the San Francisco Flower Conservatory (May 30th - June 1st, 2005).
Like many others I was curiously drawn to catch a view of this odd
specimen, seeing as how it produces the largest reproductive structure
in the plant world every 6-10 years, emits an odor reminiscent of
rotting food or flesh and the blooms last only 3-4 days.
"Ted the Titan", on loan from the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory,
is merely 10 years old. Titan Arum's, Amorphophallus titanum, are
actually related to the cala lilly and native to Sumatra where it
grows on the edge of forests. Having bloomed once before in 2003 "Ted
the Titan" reached a height of 3-4 feet. Today "Ted"
is approximately 5 feet tall, but other specimens have reached reported
heights of 9 feet.
The unique odor the Titan Arum emits is strongest on the first and
second day of it's bloom. Today, June 1st, is it's 3rd day and shouldn't
have too strong an odor. If you haven't had a chance to see "Ted
the Titan" be sure to do so before it's too late.
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