A rare, foul-smelling cousin of the titan arum blooms at Kew Gardens
In short: Meet Pseudohydrosme gabunensis, an endangered plant that recently made its UK public debut. This rare aroid shares a lineage with the famous titan arum and employs a unique, pungent strategy to ensure its survival.
Pseudohydrosme gabunensis is a remarkably rare plant, currently identified in only five global locations. Its recent flowering at Kew Gardens in early 2025 marked the first time the public in the UK could witness the species in bloom.
Like its larger relative, the titan arum, this plant uses a distinct, rotten odor to attract carrion flies. These insects are drawn to its large, gramophone-shaped flower, which serves as the primary mechanism for pollination in its native environment.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Meet the titan arum’s rare little cousin | Kew
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