The Corpse Plant (Amorphophallus titanum): The Largest and Smelliest Flower in the World

If there’s a plant that truly fascinates and amazes, it’s the Amorphophallus titanum, better known as the corpse plant. This incredible species, native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, produces the largest unbranched flower in the world, reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) in height.

What makes this plant so peculiar is its strong, foul odor: when it blooms, it releases a stench similar to rotting flesh, which is why it has such a creepy name. This smell serves a crucial purpose—attracting scavenger insects like beetles and flies, which help pollinate it.

Another fascinating fact is that the corpse plant takes years to bloom, sometimes even a decade. When it finally does, the bloom lasts only 24 to 48 hours, making it a spectacular but rare botanical event.

Due to deforestation and its difficulty to reproduce, this species is now endangered. However, its impressive size and uniqueness have made it a star attraction in botanical gardens and scientific collections worldwide.