Fun Science Facts from the Library of Congress
Answer
The Rafflesia arnoldii.
The flower with the world’s largest bloom is the Rafflesia arnoldii. This rare flower is found in the rainforests of Indonesia. It can grow to be 3 feet across and weigh up to 15 pounds! It is a parasitic plant, with no visible leaves, roots, or stem. It attaches itself to a host plant to obtain water and nutrients.
When in bloom, the Rafflesia emits a repulsive odor, similar to that of rotting meat. This odor attracts insects that pollinate the plant.
Another enormous flower found in Indonesia is the Amorphophallus titanum, or Titan arum. It is also known as the “corpse flower” for its unpleasant odor. Like the Rafflesia, the Titan emits the smell of rotting flesh to attract pollinators. Technically, the Titan arum is not a single flower. It is a cluster of many tiny flowers, called an inflorescence. The Titan arum has the largest unbranched inflorescence of all flowering plants. The plant can reach heights of 7 to 12 feet and weigh as much as 170 pounds!
Published: 11/19/2019. Author: Science Reference Section, Library of Congress
Have a question? Ask a science librarian
I'm a botanical enthusiast with a profound understanding of various plant species and their unique characteristics. My expertise extends to the intriguing world of botany, encompassing a range of topics from plant anatomy to reproductive strategies. To demonstrate my knowledge, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about two remarkable flowers found in Indonesia: the Rafflesia arnoldii and the Amorphophallus titanum.
The Rafflesia arnoldii, hailed as the flower with the world's largest bloom, is a fascinating parasitic plant. Found in the rainforests of Indonesia, it boasts a remarkable size, growing up to 3 feet across and weighing as much as 15 pounds. What sets this flower apart is its lack of visible leaves, roots, or stem. Instead, it attaches itself to a host plant to extract water and nutrients. During its bloom, the Rafflesia emits a repulsive odor akin to rotting meat. This distinctive smell serves to attract insects that play a crucial role in pollination.
On the other hand, the Amorphophallus titanum, also known as the "corpse flower," is another giant flower in Indonesia. Like the Rafflesia, it employs a foul odor, reminiscent of rotting flesh, to attract pollinators. Notably, the Titan arum is not a single flower but a cluster of many tiny flowers, forming what is called an inflorescence. It holds the record for having the largest unbranched inflorescence among all flowering plants. This colossal plant can reach heights of 7 to 12 feet and weigh as much as 170 pounds.
In summary, these botanical wonders from Indonesia, the Rafflesia arnoldii and the Amorphophallus titanum, showcase nature's incredible diversity and adaptation strategies. The unique features of these flowers, from their parasitic nature to the peculiar odors they emit for pollination, highlight the fascinating aspects of botany found in the rainforests of Indonesia.
