Titum  arum is a flowering plant with the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world.



Due to its odor, which is reminiscent of the smell of a decomposing mammal, the titan arum is characterized as a carrion flower and is also known as the corpse flower or corpse plant.  The titan arum grows deep in the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia.

Fortunately you do not have to go to Sumatra to see one.  Specimens can be found at various conservatories throughout the country and they bloom approximately once every two years.  There is one at the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory and they loaned it to the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers back in 2005 and it was so popular they extended the conservatory hours to meet the demand to see it (and smell it!)  There is one at UC Berkeley Botanical Garden that just bloomed — it finished July 27th. 

What does this have to do with commercial interior plants?  Not much really but we can assure you that Everything Grows will not be placing one of these in your space!