When I was at the Botanical Garden last weekend I saw this unusual cactus bloom. I've seen it before but, I never knew anything about it. So this time, I did some research and what I found was very interesting. First of all, it's name is Carrion Flower. Yes, that's what I said "Carrion Flower". Further reading revealed that this flower has a most unusual scent. It smells like rotting meat. Now, I'm reading this information and feeling a bit lucky that I didn't get close enough to smell it. The scent (or odor if you prefer) is engineered to attract flies, the plants primary pollinator. Well, I guess if it's flies you need to attract then that smell is quite appropriate. Isn't nature fascinating?
Wspaniałe zdjęcie ; matka natura potrafi:)
ReplyDeletePozdrawiam Ilona
When this flower is covered with flies and when butterflies are landing on its neighboring plants, this plant must think that it drew the short straw when it came to evolution.
ReplyDeleteA number of years ago I saw a similar plant in the Conservatory in Como Park in Saint Paul. It got lost of publicity and drew lots of observers. Weird, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI saw one of these this summer at Moody Gardens in Galveston. Lucky for me it was not in bloom!
ReplyDeleteNot one you would want to have in a pot in the house. Isn't nature amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful plant!!
ReplyDeleteCarrion flower? I have to remember that so I don't buy one by mistake!!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting comment you made today about sharing an elevator with the Dalai Lama. I can't top that.
The wonders of evolution! it looks so pretty in that bottom pic!
ReplyDeleteLooks like something that might be found underwater. Strange bloom.
ReplyDeleteI looks like something from a horror movie.
ReplyDeleteArrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh!
ReplyDeleteI think this is an amazing Stapellia I only saw in photos. Great find, lucky you!
ReplyDeleteP.S. My mother's heart condition seems to be controlled now and, finally, she left the hospital yesterday. Thank you for your care, Sharon. Hopefully I can blog on a normal daily basis from now on again.