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Garden: Dare to sniff out this unusual bloom

By TIMES STAFF WRITER
Published May 20, 2006

	[AP 2001]
	Both the Amorphophallus titanum, shown here, and the Amorphophallus gigas, are large tuberous plants from Sumatra.

SARASOTA -A rare Amorphophallus gigas is expected to bloom this week at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Open your eyes and hold your nose.

This giant tuber with large purple flowers may grow to 10 feet and weigh up to 154 pounds, but beyond its huge size, it is distinguished by its overpowering odor of rotting flesh.

That odor attracts dung beetles and carrion beetles, which pollinate the plant.

This will be the first bloom from seeds that were planted at Selby in 2002. The Amorphophallus, a native of Sumatra, is difficult to grow and bring into bloom.

The exact date of full flowering is uncertain, so visitors should call Selby Gardens at (941) 366-5731 for updates. The gardens, at 811 S Palm Ave., are open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 adults, $6 ages 6 to 11, free 5 and younger.

[Last modified May 19, 2006, 09:23:41]