Tuesday 16 June 2015

Dracunculus vulgaris (Dragon Arum)




Beneath the large canopy of the Indian Bean Tree, Catalpa speciosa, a rather unusual flower has appeared. Produced by the Dragon arum, Dracunculus vulgaris, it's not only the flower that catches your attention but the smell! There is no sweet smelling fragrance coming from this inflorescence but a the foul smell of rotting meat that attracts the flies to pollinate it. A wonderfully unique plant to see in the gardens, but you have to be quick as the flowers only last a day. Below is a short video for you to witness this unusual spectacle, just not the smell.


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