Definition

Noun: 1. A very large, foul-smelling tropical plant: "titan arum" refers specifically to a species of plant (Amorphophallus titanum) native to Sumatra, Indonesia. It is known for producing the world's largest unbranched inflorescence (a cluster of flowers on a single stalk). Its most famous characteristics are its immense size and the powerful odor of rotting flesh it emits when in bloom, which attracts pollinating insects.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The botanical garden's titan arum finally bloomed after years of careful cultivation.
  • The titan arum is often called the "corpse flower" due to its distinctive smell.
  • Crowds gathered to see the rare flowering of the titan arum.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: In botany, the "titan arum" is studied for its unique thermogenic properties (ability to produce heat) and its specialized pollination strategy.
  • The research paper detailed the thermogenesis of the Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as the titan arum.

Variants and Related Words

• Corpse flower (n): A common name for the titan arum, directly referencing its odor.
  • The corpse flower is one of the most famous plants in the world.
• Amorphophallus titanum (n): The scientific Latin name for the species.
  • Amorphophallus titanum is the correct binomial nomenclature for this plant.

Synonyms

• Corpse flower: The most widely used synonym, emphasizing its smell.
• Giant padma: A less common alternative name.

Related Phrases

• In bloom / to bloom: The specific state or action of the titan arum's flowers opening, which is a rare and short-lived event.
  • The titan arum only blooms for 24 to 48 hours.
• Spathe and spadix: The specific botanical terms for the large, petal-like bract (spathe) and the central flower-bearing spike (spadix) that make up the titan arum's inflorescence.
  • The deep red spathe of the titan arum unfurls to reveal the spadix.

Noun

1. malodorous tropical plant having a spathe that resembles the corolla of a morning glory and attains a diameter of several feet