We visited Seattle's Volunteer Park Conservatory earlier this month while spending a lovely day with our brother-in-law and sister (mine, but after more than 57 years together, it all kind of blends together).
There were some beautiful orchids and ferns. But we really went to see the Corpse Flower. This odd -- and rare -- plant bloomed in early September for the first time since the Conservatory acquired it in 2006. (It takes from seven to 10 years for the plant to make a flower.)
The Corpse flower (Amorphophallus Titanum) was discovered in Sumatra in 1881. It grows from a large tuber which can weigh more than 150 pounds. It is said to be the world's largest flower. Technically it is an 'inflorescence' or a cluster of flowers.
All of the above information is from the Conservatory. The information sheet also said "Yes, the flower does smell -- like rotting flesh." -- But we didn't need the handout to know that. It smelled awful!
I hate to end a post on a stinky note, so below is just one of the beautiful orchids grown in the Conservatory. I'm sorry that I don't have any information about it.
Linking this post to TODAY'S FLOWERS and I HEART MACRO. and NATURE'S FOTOS BLO-MA (on Tuesday). Thank you to Denise and to Laura and to Monica for hosting these wonderful sharing opportunities.
No wonder it is called the corpse flower!
Your capture of the orchid is stunning!
Posted by: Lindy | October 01, 2014 at 07:26 PM
Such a beautifully unique plant- and, I guess after needed so much time to grow, it deserves it's foul scent to protect it from predators and distinctive moniker to remember by. Lovely.
Posted by: Penny | October 01, 2014 at 03:00 PM
How interesting! I've heard of this flower but have never seen it. I must say it looks very phallic!
Posted by: Barb | September 29, 2014 at 05:03 PM
That is interesting. The smell is the reason for its name. Thank goodness I have never seen nor smelled one. :0)
Posted by: Lee Ann L. | September 29, 2014 at 02:56 PM
I have heard of this flower from many gardeners, never smelled it myself thank heavens. The macro of the orchid is gorgeous.
Posted by: Lavender Cottage | September 29, 2014 at 12:51 PM
Gorgeous white orchid! Interesting about the corpse flower, and it's stink, as well as the huge tuber, and the infrequent bloom. Nature is always amazing!
Posted by: Marie | September 29, 2014 at 12:21 PM
I don't think I've ever seen or smelled one of those!
Posted by: Sharon Wagner | September 29, 2014 at 11:17 AM
I love that flower and honestly how soft and sweet is that last photo!!! Great shot, texture, depth of field - everything!
Posted by: Sherry in MT | September 29, 2014 at 09:37 AM
What a rare and beautiful plant.
Posted by: Lady Fi | September 29, 2014 at 07:40 AM
places like these, are my favorites to visit!! rare plants, lot's of great information and beautiful images. the last image is stunning!!!
Posted by: Debbie | September 29, 2014 at 06:55 AM
Hi Sallie, I've heard about these rare plants before but not seen one so close up n personal. I'mighty glad there's no such thing as smell-o-vision snicker snicker :)
57 happy years.. wow! Be well, be Happy :)
Posted by: Pam | September 29, 2014 at 02:27 AM
I've heard of these...how very cool to get to see one!!!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Posted by: Linda | September 28, 2014 at 01:24 PM
This is amazing! I have heard of plants that bloom very infrequently and I find them fascinating. But this one takes the cake! I bet you are thrilled you got to see it. Wish I had, too. And the orchid is so lovely.
Posted by: Nan | September 28, 2014 at 01:23 PM
wow, that´s a special flower. I have heard of flowers like that but can´t remember seeing any. Thanks for sharing it.
And now we seem to be back both of us. :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep | September 28, 2014 at 12:12 PM
A very unusual flower indeed. Fancy the time the owner has to wait before it starts flowering.
Your photos are great, especially the orchid.
Thanks for your kind comment , Sallie! I wish you a great week.
Wil, ABCW Team.
Posted by: Reader Wil | September 28, 2014 at 08:44 AM
That is amazing!!!
Posted by: Jenn Jilks | September 28, 2014 at 08:38 AM
I've read about the corpse flower and how much it stinks. Great find.
Posted by: Yogi | September 28, 2014 at 08:01 AM
That looks like a beautiful place. I've always wanted to see and smell one of those corpse flowers - they sound really, really bad. I don't think it's something to walk up to and sniff!
Posted by: Al | September 28, 2014 at 07:41 AM
the orchid is beautiful. Not sure I'd want to smell the corpse flower, but it must have been interesting to find it in flower, since it does it so rarely!
Posted by: craftygreenpoet | September 28, 2014 at 06:30 AM
What an amazing flower! Sometimes it would be nice to share smell virtually, but not in this instance......thanks for sharing this and the beautiful orchid....
Posted by: Ruby | September 28, 2014 at 05:26 AM
How remarkable to see such an unusual flower bloom for the first time. That orchid is exquisite. I'm glad you will be linking up with I Heart Macro later this evening:-)
Posted by: Laura Hegfield | September 28, 2014 at 04:40 AM
Although the corpse flower is spectacular, personally I am not into sniffing corpses but I absolutely adore your shot of that glorious orchid.
Posted by: Arija | September 28, 2014 at 03:11 AM
Never seen a corpse flower in my life ! Your photos are beautiful !
Posted by: Gattina | September 28, 2014 at 12:51 AM
The corpse flower is spectacular, but I'm glad I can't smell it!
Posted by: Gunilla | September 28, 2014 at 12:10 AM
Stinky or not, I would definitely want to see such a unique plant in person too:) Beautiful photos!
Blessings,
Aimee
Posted by: Aimee | September 27, 2014 at 11:06 PM
Orchids are so beautifully special. I wonder if that Corpse flower only blooms once.
Posted by: Gaelyn | September 27, 2014 at 09:22 PM
I've heard of this plant but have never seen one for myself. It's weird and wonderful!
You wanted to know when Wednesday around the World opens: I have figured out that it opens (most days, as I don't set the time) at 11AM on Wednesday AUCKLAND time. That should make it 6PM on Tuesday in Miami--I think! Hope this helps.
Posted by: bettyl - NZ | September 27, 2014 at 08:41 PM
These images are poems in themselves. You take some amazing photos.
Thanks for your kind words on my blog.
Posted by: SandyCarlson | September 27, 2014 at 07:24 PM
How cool that you were able to see this rare flower in bloom. For a flower to have a noxious odor seems contradictory, ha! The last image is simply divine. An ethereal and beautiful image.
Posted by: Gail | September 27, 2014 at 06:15 PM
what an interesting looking flower.
the orchid is gorgeous.
Posted by: Felicia | September 27, 2014 at 05:28 PM
I've heard of the corpse flower, gosh it's odd looking. Beautiful orchid shot!
Posted by: Karen, Pixel Posts | September 27, 2014 at 12:44 PM
Beauty, but a beast.
Posted by: Rainfield M Penang | September 27, 2014 at 07:29 AM
The Corpse Flower is a new one for me! very interesting, but I'd rather not go near one.......
Posted by: hazel | September 27, 2014 at 06:58 AM
i think i'll skip that bloom and its aroma. :)
Posted by: TexWisGirl | September 27, 2014 at 06:55 AM
What an interesting plant and flower.
Posted by: Carver | September 27, 2014 at 06:47 AM
Thats a huge flower!! Very unusual...
Posted by: Sondra-SC | September 27, 2014 at 06:20 AM
Amazing that something so large thrives in a pot. The orchid is fabulous.
Posted by: Dianne | September 27, 2014 at 05:16 AM
Wow very COOL plants! Very neat!!
Posted by: Mary Howell Cromer | September 27, 2014 at 04:44 AM
What a interesting flower and name.. It is pretty up close! Great photos, Sallie!
Posted by: Eileen | September 27, 2014 at 03:14 AM
OMG; Corpse Flower!!! Its name sure tells or insinuating the smell the gorgeous looking big flower has. First to know that flower:-)
And thank you SO much for the amazingly pretty orchid flower placed to close you post today, Sallie♡♡♡
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid Miyako | September 27, 2014 at 01:34 AM
Awesome shots. The corpse flower is one of the weirdest flowers on earth. The Botanical Gardens in my city has this flower too.
Posted by: lina@womens perspectives | September 27, 2014 at 01:13 AM
Isn't it the most weirdest flower? Huge and smelly. Love the orchid shot.
Posted by: diane | September 26, 2014 at 11:54 PM
Thanks Sallie, so sweet of you to include Today's Flowers and very much appreciated :) Great photos! I have heard of the Corpse Flower before but have never seen one. Striking and extraordinary! Beautiful macro of the orchid. Have a great weekend!
Posted by: DeniseinVA | September 26, 2014 at 11:02 PM