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 out
FOTGH.org 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."
Thanks,
Martin