Re: World's Largest Flower

>>>
>      A FRAGRANT FLOWER
>     Crowds are gathering in San Marino, California to get a glimpse - and
>  a whiff - of the world's largest flower, a rare 6-foot-tall plant that
>  has bloomed less than a dozen times in the United States this century.

>Found this item in my morning e-mail.  Think I may have actually found a
>perennial none of you are growing.  And, no Kemberly, I don't know where you
>can buy one!  If you do find one, you'll have to put it in your greenhouse.
>It's a tropical.
>There was a picture in one of my botany textbooks, but I can't remember which
>one.  There is also a photo in AHS A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants.
>Enjoy.
>
>--Janis
>


Janis...

I actually had a few seedlings of this interesting plant a few years ago
that were collected in Sumatra by the late Dr. Jim Symon.  Untortunately,
they are a heat loving species and did not do well for me in the relatively
cool, short growing season here in Milwaukee.

Anyone intersted may wish to try a cousin to the Amorphophallus titanum,
which is Amorphophallus konjac.  It is much easier to grow, except in very
warm areas such as Florida.  It needs to be kept rather dry and somewhat
cool during it's dormancy period.  I keep mine in my basement, which stays
in the 50's (F).

You can see the plant at:  http://www.execpc.com/~llmen/konjac.jpg (prob
1-2 yrs old)

A picture of the flower is at:  http://www.execpc.com/~llmen/amo_k_flower.jpg

The flowering scape is over 3 ft tall.  The smell is absolutely obnoxious,
although it only lasts for about 3 days.  The flower has been described as
an evil looking calla lily or Morticia's Wedding Bouquet.  It has great
"gross-out" value  I keep my tubers in large pots, so I can move them out
to the porch if the smell gets too overpowering.

The tubers make off-sets and I should have some available this fall.  If
anyone is interested, please e-mail me PRIVATELY.

Don

Don Martinson
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (Milwaukee suburb)
USDA Zone 5 (-10 to -20F)
AHS Heat Zone #4,  Map at:
(  http://www.suite101.com/userfiles/79/hz1024.jpg )

l*@execpc.com


  

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