In an extraordinary botanical event that has captivated plant enthusiasts, two giant Titan Arum plants, commonly known as corpse flowers, have unfurled their spectacular blooms simultaneously at a private residence in Cairns.
A Spectacular and Pungent Double Display
The rare double flowering occurred at the home of passionate plant collector John Dore in the suburb of Freshwater. The first of the two colossal flowers, named ‘Big Jack’, began to open on Saturday, December 9, 2023. It was swiftly followed by its sibling, ‘Stinker’, which started blooming just two days later on Monday, December 11.
This simultaneous event is exceptionally rare, as the Amorphophallus titanum typically takes between seven to ten years to store enough energy for a single bloom, and the flowering period itself lasts only 24 to 48 hours. The plants are famed not only for their immense size but for their powerful odour, which mimics the smell of rotting flesh to attract pollinating insects like carrion beetles and flesh flies.
John Dore, who has been cultivating these botanical giants for years, expressed his amazement at the double event. He noted that the plants had been growing at an astonishing rate of up to 15 centimetres per day in the lead-up to the bloom.
The Science Behind the 'Corpse Flower'
The Titan Arum is native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, and is listed as endangered in the wild. Its bloom structure is a marvel of nature. What appears to be a single giant petal is actually a spathe – a specialised leaf that wraps around a central spike called the spadix. The true flowers are tiny and located at the base of the spadix, hidden inside the chamber formed by the spathe.
The infamous stench is released in waves when the plant is ready for pollination, heating up the spadix to help volatilise the pungent compounds. This combination of heat and smell creates an irresistible lure for its target pollinators.
A Community Drawcard and Conservation Story
The spectacular double bloom quickly became a local sensation. Mr Dore generously opened his garden to the public, allowing hundreds of curious Cairns residents to witness the fleeting phenomenon firsthand. The event highlights not only nature's wonders but also the success of cultivation efforts for this endangered species outside its native habitat.
Botanical gardens around the world, including nearby Flecker Botanical Gardens in Cairns, have previously had success in flowering Titan Arums, but a private double bloom is a remarkable achievement. It underscores the unique and favourable growing conditions in the tropical climate of Far North Queensland, which can mimic the plant's natural rainforest environment.
For plant lovers and scientists alike, the event serves as a powerful reminder of plant biodiversity and the fascinating adaptations evolved in the natural world. The fleeting beauty and pungent perfume of Cairns' twin Titan Arums have provided an unforgettable spectacle and a significant talking point for the local community.
