This very rare arum species grows in the tropical rain forests of Borneo and has one of the biggest inflorescences of the Amorphophallus genus.
This very rare aroid species grows in the tropical rain forests of Borneo and has one of the biggest inflorescences of the Amorphophallus genus. A bulb is formed below-ground from which one leave sprouts, which is after senescence eventually followed by a bigger leave. The leaves are umbrella-shaped and have a decorative spotted stem. In the tropics one leave can reach a hight of 3 meters, and can flower after many years, when the bulb is sufficiently big. The inflorescence can reach a height of 1,5 meters, and consists of a green bract with a red/purplish inner side and a big pink appendix. The flowers in the inflorescence are pollinated by flies who are attracted by a very unpleasant rotting smell. The plant flowers for only 2 or 3 days, since it costs a lot of energy. A short but impressive event. The species grows relatively easy as an indoor plant, where a well drained and constantly lightly moist soil is important. The plant usually has a dormant period once a year, where no leave is showing. Keep the soil lightly moist in the dormant period, and the new leave will appear eventually.
Sowing directions: Sow the shortly viable seed as soon as possible in potting mix. Keep the soil constantly lightly moist and let it germinate at 25-30 degC.
Photo 1: Sarawak Biodiversity Center