Definition

Noun: 1. A plant of the genus Amorphophallus: Any plant belonging to this specific genus within the arum family (Araceae). These plants are characterized by a large, often foul-smelling inflorescence (flower structure) and a single, large leaf.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The botanical garden has a rare amorphophallus that blooms only once every few years.
  • Scientists study the amorphophallus for its unique pollination strategy, which involves attracting carrion flies.

Advanced Usage

• "Titan arum" (Amorphophallus titanum): This is the most famous species within the genus, known for producing the world's largest unbranched inflorescence. It is often referred to as the "corpse flower" due to its strong odor of rotting flesh.
  • The titan arum, a giant amorphophallus, drew large crowds to the conservatory.

Variants and Related Words

• Corpse flower: A common name for several species, especially , referring to their distinctive smell.
• Aroid: A member of the arum family (Araceae), which includes the genus .

Synonyms

• None commonly used in general English. In botanical contexts, the scientific genus name is the precise term. Common names like "corpse flower" or "voodoo lily" refer to specific species within the genus.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• In bloom/flowering: The most notable event for an is when its large inflorescence opens.
  • The amorphophallus is in bloom, and the smell is quite powerful.
• Corm: These plants grow from a large underground storage stem called a corm.
  • The amorphophallus corm can weigh over 50 kilograms.

Noun

1. any plant of the genus Amorphophallus