One of the World’s rarest flowers, titan arum, blooms at the University of Warsaw in Poland

Titan Arum Surprises Visitors with Spectacular Flowering Display (Image: UW Botanical Garden Close)

The University of Warsaw Botanical Garden is buzzing with excitement. A rare and fascinating plant, the titan arum, has begun to bloom. Its massive size and unusual process attract curious visitors and plant enthusiasts alike.

When Did the Titan Arum Begin Blooming?

At approximately 1:00 a.m. on 5th August, the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) began its remarkable flowering process. This marks the second bloom in recent years. Experts note the plant is now older and displays a significantly larger inflorescence compared to before. Just before opening, the arum reached over 180 centimetres in height. The flower’s leaf began to spread dramatically in the university greenhouses. Over the next eight hours, the plant continued to bloom.

By 6:00 a.m., the leaf span reached 122 centimetres. The titan arum stood more than 180 centimetres tall. Piotr Dobrzyński, caretaker of the plant, shared the surprise. “The flowering process is very dynamic,” he said. “The arum lily looks spectacular as it opens.” The plant’s temperature rose sharply during this time. It reached 68 degrees Celsius at peak bloom.

Why Does the Titan Arum Heat Up?

The titan arum uses inflorescence heating during its bloom. This rare phenomenon is essential for pollination. The plant raises its internal temperature by about a dozen degrees. Why does it do this? The heat helps spread a strong, unpleasant odour. The smell is similar to rotting meat. This scent attracts specific pollinators like carrion flies and beetles. The warmth also mimics the body heat of dead animals. This makes it easier for pollinators to approach.