The term “amoeba flower” likely refers to the Amorphophallus titanum, widely known as the Corpse Flower. This plant is celebrated for its unusual life cycle and, most notably, its infamous blooming event.
Understanding the Corpse Flower
The Corpse Flower, scientifically named Amorphophallus titanum, is a herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the arum family (Araceae). Its common name, “corpse flower,” stems from the powerful odor it emits during its brief blooming period, which many describe as similar to rotting flesh. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, thriving on steep hillsides.
What appears to be a single, giant flower is actually an inflorescence, a cluster of many tiny flowers on a central stalk. Its structure consists of a tall, central spike (spadix) encircled by a large, petal-like spathe. The spathe is typically green or cream on the outside, and deep crimson or purple inside, tightly enclosing the spadix before unfurling. The true male and female flowers are small and located at the base of the spadix, hidden within the spathe’s chamber.
Cultivating the Corpse Flower
Cultivating Amorphophallus titanum is challenging, primarily undertaken by botanical gardens and experienced enthusiasts. It grows from a large underground corm, which can weigh over 200 pounds when mature. This corm stores the energy needed for the plant’s massive growth and infrequent blooming.
Corpse Flowers require environmental conditions mimicking their native Sumatran rainforest habitat. They thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and high humidity, typically ranging from 70-90%. The soil must be consistently moist but never waterlogged, requiring a well-draining, nutrient-rich loamy mix. During its dormant period, after its leaf cycle, watering should be significantly reduced.
The Infamous Bloom
The Corpse Flower’s blooming is a rare, highly anticipated event due to its infrequency. After years of vegetative growth (often 4 to 10 years), the corm stores enough energy to produce its impressive inflorescence instead of a leaf. Once it emerges, the bloom develops rapidly, sometimes growing several inches per day.
The inflorescence can reach towering heights, often between 6 to 8 feet, with some recorded instances exceeding 10 feet. The bloom is short-lived, typically lasting only 24 to 48 hours before the spathe wilts and the spadix collapses. During this brief window, the plant releases its characteristic pungent odor, described as rotting meat, garbage, or even sweaty socks. This powerful scent, along with the heat generated by the spadix, attracts its natural pollinators: carrion beetles and flies. These insects, drawn by the illusion of decaying matter, inadvertently transfer pollen, ensuring the plant’s reproductive cycle.