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The new species, R. consueloae, stands out from its larger relatives in two distinct ways. For one thing, its flowers only reach about 10 centimeters, making it what researchers call “the smallest among giants.”
For another, it smells not like death but like coconut meat.
— Researchers have discovered a new relative of the Amorphophallus titanum, a.k.a. corpse flower or titan arum. Read more at Meet the Tiny Parasitic "Corpse Flower" that Smells Like Coconuts at Scientific American.
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Biologist Susan Dudley talks about the corpse flower in bloom now at McMaster University in Canada.
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Not since the last time a huge, foul-smelling plant bloomed has such excitement abounded over a huge, foul-smelling plant blooming, but the titan arum is more than just a plant, and if tales of the so-called corpse plant are to be believed, its scent is more than just a stink.
— Read more at Rare corpse plant ready to bloom -- why the stench is so thrilling a the LA Times. The plant in question is at Cornell. Hat tip to Joe!
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It’s going to cause a stink at Binghamton University’s E.W. Heier Teaching Greenhouse but the staff can hardly wait. One of their largest charges – the Amorphophallus titanum a.k.a. corpse flower or titan arum – is getting ready to bloom and expected to show off its strikingly good looks on or around Tuesday, September 14.
— Another corpse flower is getting ready to bloom. Read more at It’s Blooming Awful! Rare Corpse Flower Expected to Thrill Binghamton University Greenhouse Goers at Newswise, or track the plant's progress here.
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The corpse flower is so rare that only 28 have ever been known to bloom in the United States. The 29th is poised to open any day now at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
— A titan arum, aka corpse flower, is due to bloom in Houston. This one has been christened 'Lois', and you can follow her progress at the Museum's Beyond Bones blog. Many thanks to Cynthia for the link!