Chapter 1
The titan arum and the science of stench
Chapter 2
Parasites of the jungle floor
Chapter 3
Masters of deception and mimicry
Chapter 4
Extreme survivors and water giants
YOUR GOAL
Master of The world's strangest flowers
Ch 1 · The titan arum and the science of stench
artiteacher Titan arum
It heats itself up like a warm-blooded beast, throwing its heavy wild rot into the air!
Fun Fact
Titan arum corm: The underground tuber of the titan arum can weigh over 100 kilograms, making it the largest known corm in the plant kingdom.
Glossary
titan arum (noun)
A giant tropical plant native to Sumatra that produces a massive, foul-smelling inflorescence. The flower heats its towering spadix to human body temperature, vaporizing sulfur compounds to mimic decaying meat.
A giant tropical plant native to Sumatra that produces a massive, foul-smelling inflorescence. The flower heats its towering spadix to human body temperature, vaporizing sulfur compounds to mimic decaying meat.
Quiz
What is the name of the massive underground tuber from which the titan arum grows?
Quiz
Which process allows the titan arum to heat its central spike to human body temperature?
Quiz
Which insects are the primary pollinators targeted by the corpse flower's smell and heat?
Quiz
What chemical compound is responsible for the rotting fish smell of the corpse flower?