Amorphophallus

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Jun 18, 2005 11:43 am

My Amorphophallus has opened this year. What a stunning creature he is.

Not to pat myself on the back, but it's a brave woman who can stand directly over this potent plant and take its picture. Even with a cold, that baby had a strong aroma.

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Jun 18, 2005 11:46 am

OK, now I'm going to correct myself. Actually, I think this guy is Dracunculus vulgaris, not Amorphophallus konjac. But they're very close. Anyway, both are smelly Aroids, so there you go!

KellieD · Post by **KellieD** » Jun 18, 2005 12:02 pm

Fess up, Doris. We know why, really, you are partial to this plant!!

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Jun 18, 2005 12:07 pm

Unfortunately, my little girl likes this plant too!

She says it's "cool". I think we like it for different reasons.

JaneG · Post by **JaneG** » Jun 20, 2005 11:49 pm

Cool pics Doris!

insam · Post by **insam** » Jun 21, 2005 9:28 pm

interesting. it does look pretty cool.

Tundra_Queen · Post by **Tundra_Queen** » Jun 25, 2005 1:32 am

Doris, very

Susanne in Germany · Post by **Susanne in Germany** » Jun 26, 2005 9:05 am

A fine stinker you have grown there, Doris!

I've attached a picture from my one, taken last year (with the old camera). I'm hoping for another "flower" this summer, Dracunculus vulgaris seems to take longer here than in PNW.
Amorphophallus needs many more years to grow before it establishes a 2 m flowerspike, but then it's a reason to move unless you want to suffocate. There's a report on the net from somebody who wanted to stay with his flowering Amorphophallus in one room... read here http://www.kallus.com/aroids/amorphophallus/konjac/
I'm also growing Sauromatum, but it's still very tiny.

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Jun 26, 2005 1:05 pm

Hey, Susanne! Nice to see you!

I can smell that thing from here! Mine are finished now. They sure don't last long.

Susanne in Germany · Post by **Susanne in Germany** » Jun 26, 2005 6:50 pm

Yes, they really have something in common with holidays. You're looking forward to them, but you're also happy when they're over.

GrannyNanny · Post by **GrannyNanny** » Jun 27, 2005 11:17 pm

I have always been puzzled over why anyone would WANT to grow something that isn't very pretty, and smells awful. Is it, as Sir Edmud Hilary said about Mount Everest, "because it is there!" -- in other words, for the challenge of growing it? If that's it, why not try Tibetan blue poppies? They are just as challenging, but look lovely and maybe even smell good! Phyllis

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Jun 27, 2005 11:51 pm

Yes, GrannyNanny, "because it's there" does come into play! That, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm one of those odd types that finds Aroids attractive. Probably because they're strange, in part. But I must admit, the Dracunculus is rather smelly.

Other Aroids that I love...

petal*pusher · Post by **petal*pusher** » Jun 28, 2005 9:21 am

I agree with you Doris! This IS a beautiful flower!

Having been in the floral business 42 years....the unusual grabs my attention every time. I love the graceful elegance of your flower.....and to SOME little living being......the smell is heavenly!.......p