The World's Biggest Flower Bud

Saturday Self-Challenge: Photograph Flowers in B&W

This unusual flower bud is called Titan Arum, also known as the Corpse Flower. The "fragrance" of the titan arum resembles rotting meat, attracting carrion-eating beetles and flesh flies (family Sarcophagidae) that pollinate it. The inflorescence's deep red color and texture contribute to the illusion that the spathe is a piece of meat. The plants are located so far apart from one another and bloom so infrequently, they need to attract as much insect attention as possible to ensure pollination. It is the largest flower in the world, measuring between six and eight feet tall and is also one of the rarest sights to see. The huge bud above is located at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.

Below are a couple of other flowers I photographed during the same trip to the gardens. The calla lily in the last photo is from my garden.

Have a great week, my friends!