The heat-producing titan arum and its scent of decay
Discover the remarkable titan arum, a giant flower that mimics the smell of a corpse. Glasshouse Supervisor Tom Pickering explores how this unique species produces its own heat and the immense challenges involved in cultivating it.
The titan arum is a biological marvel, possessing one of the largest flowers on Earth and the ability to generate its own heat. This video follows Tom Pickering as he explains the plant's complex ten-year life cycle and the evolutionary reasons behind its characteristic stench of death.
Beyond the scent, the footage provides a behind-the-scenes look at Kew’s tropical nursery. As the species faces the threat of extinction in its natural habitat, the work being done in botanical gardens is vital for the preservation of this misshapen, massive plant.
Source: Corpse flower: Is the titan arum Kew's smelliest plant? | Dig Deeper Episode 4 | Kew
