Corpse Flower

[harrywitmore]

Originally Posted by kinknstein

I have actually heard that the Amorphophallus is the largest flower and the Rafflesia is the heaviest. Not too sure how accurate the fact is but I have read it in a few places.
What exactly would be the difference between an inflorescence and a flower?

The inflorescence of Aroids includes the spath and the spadix. The spadix has hundreds or thousands of male and female flowers. They normally open at different times so that self pollination is less likely. Each flower on Amorphophallus titanum is most likely about 1/2" (probably smaller). So, it's not possible for this plant to have the largest flower. The flower of Rafflesia is a single flower per peduncle (stem holding flower). Currently I have 2 Amorphophallus in bloom, A yunannensis and kuisianus. Neither smell like much. No when my Dracunculus vulgaris bloomed it was very aromatic.