Heat behind a smellSourced
The towering bloom warms up to release a powerful odor
The titan arum’s central spadix heats as its inflorescence opens and releases a strong odor associated with rotting meat. The display attracts carrion-associated insects that pollinate it. Size is only one part of the attraction; heat and scent contribute too.
Not every floral invitation smells sweet.
Summary / translation: Unbubly · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Amorphophallus titanum · Wikimedia contributors
Adapted, summarized and translated from the source. Adapted text is also available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reviewed: 2026-10-05