Dead horse arum

diana chapman rarebulbs@cox.net
Mon, 10 Apr 2006 10:03:15 PDT
Dear All:

When I opened the greenhouse door this morning, I was greeted by the smell
of rotting flesh.  The Dead Horse Arum (Helicodiceros muscivorus) has opened
the first its fiendish blooms.  I have asked Susan to post a picture to the
wiki.  The inflorescence is huge, at least 12" in length and about 8"
across, looking like the posterior of a dead animal, the spathe hanging
down, all blotchy and covered in dark hairs.  The spadix is covered in hairs
too, and hangs down like the tail of an animal.  Flies enter a hole under
the base of the spadix.

I don't have any available this year.  When I got my original plants years
ago from a botanical garden, I thought it was just for my own collection,
but I receive a great many requests for this species and never have enough.
I must say, it is certainly unique!!

Diana
Telos Rare Bulbs


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