Re: Malodorous plants
Bob, A plant with an unmistakable stink about it is the very
attractive Putoria calabrica. It is not the flowers though. A gentle
brush of the leaves releases a distinctly human-flatulence odor, at
least that is how my nose registers it.
I would like to hear if anyone knows of any common names for this plant,
and how it likes to grow in its native land. I am only familiar with it
through the UC Davis Arboretum, and a plant here at home. The family I
think is Rutaceae. The pink flower clusters and red fruit clusters are
quite ornamental, and it seems to be durable so far for me. But it might
not be appropriate where people would bump it in passing.
Gary Matson, Far northern California
Bob Beer wrote:
>
> Recently Sean sent in a post about a stinking Buddleia, B.
> madagascariensis. (Seeds???) I've long been attracted (maybe not the
> right word...blowflies come to mind) to stinky plants, and grow both
> things called Voodoo Lily (Dracunculus and Sauromatum), Stapelias, and a
> really odd-not-quite-rotten-smelling Epiphyllum. I'm eagerly awaiting a
> start of a nice lush Smilax species from Arkansas that smells like
> carrion. Mom promised! But it's especially fun to find a member of an
> otherwise pleasant-smelling genus that really knocks your (sweaty gym)
> socks off. I really should be growing Lilium martagon but haven't
> gotten around to it. Pretty *and* ugly smelling. And Eryngium
> caeruleum, I've found, really does smell like dog s***. The bees are
> absolutely nuts for it though. "Say it with flowers" takes on a whole
> new meaning...
>
> Anyone else come across malodorous members of usually sweet-scented
> plant families?
>
> Bob
>
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