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About Titan Arum
Titan Arums such as "Archie" grow in the wild only in the equatorial rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is an endangered species because of deforestation in its home range, which makes it very important to cultivate and bloom these magnificent plants in botanic gardens and universities around the world. Due to the rarity of blooming in culture, events when the plant does bloom are occasions of great excitement.
The Titan Arum's inflorescence can reach over 3 meters (10 ft) in height. Both male and female flowers grow in the same inflorescence. The female flowers open first, then a day or two following, the male flowers open. This prevents the flower from self-pollinating.
The pollinators of this plant are carrion eaters such as flies, so to attract them the Titan Arum emits a very strong fragrance that smells of rotting meat. To help spread the "perfume", parts of the flower becomes hot, about human temperature, which volatilizes the fragrance. In addition, the flower's deep red color and texture contribute to the illusion that the spathe is a piece of meat.