Any day now … We’re awaiting word from the Missouri Botanical Garden about one of its most anticipated blooms of the year.
The Garden is keeping watch on not one, but two, unique endangered Amorphophallus titanum plants, more commonly known as titan arum or “corpse flower,” a large, fast-growing plant in the aroid family. Native to Sumatra, Indonesia, the plant is known for the strong, foul odor it emits from a tall spike of small flowers, which often only lasts 24 hours.
The about-to-bloom plant, named Octavia, has bloomed three previous times. Earlier this year, Octavia split, creating two tubers that are both getting ready to bloom. Octavia, who currently measures about 50 inches, is growing 3 to 4 inches a day, and will likely bloom sometime between July 25 and 29. Her clone, standing at approximately 23 inches, is growing an inch and a half a day, and is about a week behind.
A titan arum can take up to 10 years to grow from seed until its first bloom. Since 2012, the Garden has hosted at least 12 Amorphophallus titanum blooms.
Both corpse flowers are in the Linnean House. When the flower blooms, it usually opens quickly and in the late afternoon, with the peak bloom usually occurring after dark. The Garden plans to open late on the evening of the bloom. Viewing is included with Missouri Botanical Garden admission.
See and Be Seen: Missouri Botanical Garden’s An Evening at the Garden
