Buzz
The term 'carrion' refers to decaying flesh, and carrion flowers have developed a scent reminiscent of rotting meat. This unpleasant aroma serves not to deter predators, but to lure in specific insects. These insects are not consumed by the flower for nutrients but, like most flowers, they aid in pollinating it. Unlike butterflies or bees, carrion flowers attract insects that are drawn to decay, such as carrion beetles and a variety of flies. These revolting yet captivating flowers vary greatly, and today we will explore some of their most remarkable forms.
10. Phallaceae
The Phallaceae, commonly known as stinkhorn mushrooms, are a group of fungi in the Phallales order, found all over the world, with a strong presence in tropical climates. These fungi are distinguished by their foul-smelling, sticky spore masses, or gleba, which are located at the top of a stalk called the receptaculum. The distinctive feature of the Phallaceae is the unbranched stalk with the gleba attached at its upper end. The spore mass, which typically reeks of rotting flesh or dung, attracts flies and other insects that help disperse the spores.
9. Helicodiceros muscivorus
Helicodiceros muscivorus, also known as the Dead Horse Arum Lily, is an ornamental plant native to the northwestern Mediterranean region. It produces the foul odor of decaying meat to attract blowflies, which serve as its pollinators. A rare member of thermogenic plants, the Dead Horse Arum has the ability to increase its temperature through thermogenesis. This heat generation helps to draw flies closer to the plant, ensuring they come into contact with its pollen. Interestingly, most thermogenic plants are carrion plants, though there are a few exceptions.
8. California Dutchman’s-pipe
The California Dutchman’s-pipe, scientifically known as Aristolochia californica, is a deciduous vine that produces purple-striped, curved flowers resembling pipes, which later give rise to winged, capsular green fruits. The flowers emit a strong, unpleasant odor that attracts carrion-feeding insects. These insects crawl into the twisted flower and become disoriented, giving them more time to gather pollen as they wander inside before eventually escaping. Fungus gnats are the primary pollinators, duped by the flower’s trick, gaining nothing in return. Despite offering no reward to its pollinators, the California Dutchman’s-pipe is vital to the Pipevine swallowtail butterfly, which feeds exclusively on its leaves. The red-spotted black caterpillars that consume the leaves are unappealing to other predators, and they also use the flowers as a safe space for metamorphosis.
7. Starfish Flowers
Starfish flowers, or Stapelia Gigantae, are members of the milkweed family. This cactus-like succulent plant produces large, star-shaped flowers that are flesh-colored or yellow with fine red veins and covered in hairs. The center of each flower contains an orifice resembling a mouth, where the plant’s reproductive organs are located. A foul odor emanates from this area, attracting flies and other insects that aid in the pollination process.
6. Eastern Skunk Cabbage
Skunk cabbage, also known as Symplocarpus foetidus, is a low-growing plant known for its foul odor, commonly found in wetlands. It thrives naturally in Northern and Eastern North America and several parts of Asia. With its broad, large leaves, the plant produces flowers measuring 10-15cm in length, characterized by a mottled purple hue. The most noticeable feature is its strong, decaying smell, which becomes particularly pungent when the leaf is torn. This scent serves to attract pollinators such as flies and beetles. What’s fascinating about this plant is that it is one of the rare few to exhibit thermogenesis. This ability to generate heat allows it to melt through frozen soil, enabling the flowers to bloom even while snow remains. This warmth also attracts insects seeking refuge from the cold, helping to disperse the plant's distinctive odor.
5. Dracunculus vulgaris
Known by several names such as Dragon Arum, Black Arum, Snake Lily, Stink Lily, Black Dragon, Dragonwort, and Drakondia, this plant’s scientific name is Dracunculus vulgaris. Native to the Balkans, Mediterranean, Europe, and Anatolia, it has recently spread to the United States, where it has flourished. This extraordinary plant boasts a striking flower with a spadix that can reach up to 120cm in length. The spadix is initially enclosed by a spathe, which is dark purple to black in color. As the spathe unfurls, the spadix, almost black in hue, is revealed and emits a powerful carrion-like odor for approximately one day. During this time, the plant’s sexual organs mature, and insects attracted by the smell help spread its pollen.
4. Hydnora Africana
Hydnora Africana is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the roots of Euphorbia Hydnora. It has no leaves and lacks chlorophyll, with its entire bud appearing brown in color. The bud closely resembles a fungus and is not easily recognized as a flower until it opens to reveal a vivid interior of orange and salmon hues. Before blooming, the bud releases a foul, carrion-like odor, drawing flies and carrion beetles to it. These insects crawl into the bud and become trapped by the fine hairs surrounding the small openings, where they remain until the bud matures, is pollinated, and finally opens.
3. Amorphophallus titanum
Amorphophallus titanum, when translated directly from Greek, means ‘misshapen Penis Giant,’ referring to the enormous, misshapen phallus that dominates the center of the flower. Commonly known as the Titan Arum, this flowering plant holds the record for the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world. Native to Sumatra, its inflorescence can grow over 3 meters (10 ft) tall. Similar to the cuckoo pint and calla lily, the plant features a spadix of flowers wrapped by a spathe, which serves as the flower’s singular petal. The Titan Arum’s spathe is green on the outside, dark burgundy red on the inside, and deeply furrowed. Its spadix, resembling a large loaf of French bread, is hollow, with its upper part covered in pollen and its lower end adorned with bright red-orange carpels. The flower’s scent mimics rotting meat, drawing carrion-eating beetles and flesh flies (family Sarcophagidae), which assist in pollination. The flower’s deep red color and texture add to the illusion that the spathe is a piece of meat. During blooming, the tip of the spadix reaches human body temperature, helping the scent volatilize, and also assisting in attracting carcass-eating insects.
2. Rafflesia arnoldii
Both the Rafflesia arnoldii and the Amorphophallus titanum are often called ‘corpse flowers,’ and the Rafflesia arnoldii is the largest individual flower on Earth. This rare plant is native to the rainforests of Bengkulu on Sumatra Island in Indonesia, as well as parts of Malaysia. Although several species of Rafflesia grow in these regions, the arnoldii variety stands out as the largest, with flowers reaching up to 1 meter (3 feet) in diameter and weighing as much as 11 kg.
Rafflesia lives as a parasite on the Tetrastigma vine, which only grows in primary (undisturbed) rainforests. This plant has no leaves, stems, or roots, and it doesn’t contain chlorophyll, yet it is still classified as a vascular plant. Much like fungi, it grows as thread-like strands of tissue embedded within and in close contact with host cells, absorbing nutrients and water. Rafflesia only becomes visible when it’s ready to reproduce, and its flower, the only recognizable plant-like part, can reach massive proportions. The flower is reddish-brown and emits a foul odor of rotting flesh, earning it the nickname “corpse flower.” The stench attracts flies, which pollinate the plant. It is important to distinguish Rafflesia from the Amorphophallus titanum (item 1).
1. Pelican Flower
Aristolochia gigantea, commonly known as the Giant Pelican Flower or Giant Dutchman’s Pipe, is native to Brazil and Panama. This vine showcases striking red flowers, adorned with intricate white patterns on its singular petal. The blossoms are shaped like a heart that has been rolled into a cone. The plant also features glossy, bright green, heart-shaped leaves. A large specimen, Aristolochia gigantea can grow to heights of 8 to 10 feet, with a spread of up to 8 feet. Its flowers can even reach up to a foot in length. When the flowers bloom, they emit a pungent odor that attracts flies, which assist in pollinating the plant.
