Friends of the Greenhouse

Welcome to our SFSU Friends of the Greenhouse Google Group!

Stop by to see the rare and amazing Giant Corpse Flower, Titan Arum in bloom!

After 14 years a Titan Arum (also called Giant Corpse Flower) in San Francisco State University's Biology Department teaching collection is finally flowering. The Titan Arum's scientific name is Amorphophallus titanum and it is in the same plant family as the Calla Lily, but the inflorescence can be huge, up to 8 ft., and the outside is covered with green spots while the inside is a velvety purple. For 28 to 48 hours, while the "flower" is at its peak, a terrible stench is emitted to draw flies that act to pollinate these "big stinkers" in their South East Asian homeland.

The SFSU Biology Department and Greenhouse Manager, Martin Grantham, invite the public to come witness this unusual botanical event. The first viewing will be this Thursday, June 25th, from 2 to 6 PM. Another will be scheduled next week. Check back for pics, future viewings, and the time for the big event when the "flower" opens and the public can stop by and "take a whiff."

6/25 Update:

Our Titan Arum inflorescence continues to add about an inch a day and, now that the purple pigment is showing in its skirt-like spathe, is expected to open Sunday afternoon after which it will stay open somewhere between 24 and 48 hours before beginning to collapse. This is the period when the vile, fly mesmerizing, stench is emitted. Don't miss it! We've planned 2 more viewing (and sniffing) opportunities:

Sunday from 2 to 6 PM at the New GH and Monday, same place and times. I and 2 members of FOTGH will be on hand to answer questions and lead GH tours. FOTGH tee-shirts and handbags will be on sale and there will be an opportunity to contribute to our Feed the Tuber Fund. Bring a friend! The New GH is located behind Thornton and Hensill Halls. If coming from 19th Ave., walk into campus between Hensill Hall and the Science Building, turn right just after Thornton Hall and walk around to the back, proceed right again and you will see a row of greenhouses to your left and the entry ramp. The Titan will be in House number 3.

Check back here on Sat. to find out if our Titan opens early!

6/28 Update

The Titan Arum did not open this Sunday as our experts had thought likely. The spathe became darker purple inside and more ruffled around its top edge and the spadix grew another inch to hit 40 inches. It's likely that it will open Monday or Tuesday afternoon, so those of you who didn't make it today have a chance to see it open during the week.

Once again the GH will be open for public viewing from 2 to 6 PM Monday and if it fails to open that day, we will arrange for a Tuesday viewing at the same times as well. Many thanks to those of you who have visited and made a donation to our Feed The Tuber Pot!

Martin

Thanks for stopping by and look forward to seeing you in the greenhouse!