Photo: passion4nature / iStock / Getty Images
Today, Amy King is accompanied by Brandon Tam Associate Curator of Orchids at The Huntington. Brandon manages one of the world's most extensive and diverse collections of orchid species, encompassing more than 1,500 distinct species and 3,600 various varieties distributed across 280 orchid genera.
While touring with Amy, Brandon showcased the three Corpse Flowers that bloomed in late summer and early September. The Corpse Flower, scientifically known as Amorphophallus titanum, possesses the largest unbranched inflorescence within the plant kingdom. Its growth can exceed 8 feet in height, and it undergoes a brief blooming period, typically lasting for just 1 to 3 days each year. This unique flower is renowned for emitting a strong and offensive odor when it blooms, which accounts for its rather unflattering name.
To view the impressive Corpse Flower video, simply click on this link.