Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Plant dominating Houston news

I can't ignore this any longer.

The Amorphophallus titanum, hereafter referred to as the Corpse Flower, is set to bloom any day now.  The reason why this is so special is because this particular plant is famous for its odor when it blooms, which just so happens to be why it's nicknamed the Corpse Flower (and not because the Latin name is so hard to pronounce).  The odor, if you can call it, is likened to rotten flesh.

Not exactly roses.

Apparently, it's rare that this flower blooms, and once it does so in Houston, it will be the 29th bloom that's observed in the US.  The plant is at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the museum is now open 24 hours a day to allow visitors to come check out the plant for themselves.  The plant has its own webcam, its own suggested play list, and is rocking the Tweet world.  Museum officials are thrilled that people's curiosity has increased for botany.  Admittedly, it is pretty cool.

Check it out for yourselves here.

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