The leaf of Perry, our largest plant of the Titan Arum / Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum) continues to induce rapt attention in humans. A trickle of gawkers streams by, lingering in the hallway like objects slowly shifting in a gurgling brook. (Note: keep in mind that I’m considering submission of an entry in the Bulwer-Lytton competition).
Compare the most recent prior leaf to this one via the photo below (thanks to Nick Murray and Max Leither for acting as scale objects) – the current highly efficient solar antenna is much larger than the last one, and will produce a much larger corm than was present for the premiere Perry inflorescence. There are already signs that the corm is enlarging rapidly – dense root growth into the peat/composted manure top-dressing has occurred, and the mix is pulling away from the sides of the pot, the pot shows signs of stress…all signs that the corm is beginning to push its way upward and out of the pot.
The leaf seems to have now reached its maximum size. The petiole is about 28 inches in circumference at its base, and the leaf is about 12 feet tall. See the photos below, from May 7, to get an idea of the size of the leaf. The final photo is of me, Philip, and his brothers (all of us in the gawker category), taken on June 9 (thanks to Philip’s mother, Jody, for the photo). Click here to view Perry via webcam. Better yet, click on over to Nobel Hall in person, and request a personal audience with Perry, via one of his/her acolytes.
The next inflorescence will be much larger than the one that attracted approximately 7,500 visitors to Gustavus in May 2007.
Stay tuned. :=)
[…] Gigantic Leaf Garners Gawkers: June 19, 2008 […]
I have recently come into ownership of a young titan arum. Would you be willing to share some tips on cultivation? Much obliged,…..Mr. T
[…] stages in the growth of both Perry and his/her human devotees. One regular denizen of the blog, Philip, is an accomplished orchidist and keeper of Amorphophallus species, and is forester of The […]