(Niagara At Large is posting this one from the Niagara Parks Commission in Ontario for our readers’ interest.)
Niagara Falls, Ontario – The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is pleased to announce that it has two of the tallest flowers in the world growing on site in the Floral Showhouse, which are expected to bloom within three to five weeks.
Photo courtest of Niagara Parks Commission
The Amorphophallus titanum, or Titan Arum, is a massive bell-shaped flower up to three metres in height. Aside from its size, the Titan Arum is also known for its unique smell. After flowering, a single leaf emerges in the place of the blossom, which is the size of a small tree, standing up to six metres tall and five metres across. This flower is exceedingly rare to see. Until 1989, only 21 flowerings were recorded to have occurred in botanical gardens worldwide.
The two dormant corms (bulb like structures) were donated to NPC by Louis M. Ricciardiello of Gilford, New Hampshire. At the time when they were donated, each corm weighed 68 kilograms (150 lbs). The floral buds are steadily growing an average of an inch a day, and are expected to open in about three to five weeks. Each open bloom will last less than one week. Weekly updates on the growth and bloom of the plants will be posted on NPC’s website.
The plants are currently on display at the Floral Showhouse. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Showhouse is located just south of the Horseshoe Falls, at 7145 Niagara Parkway. Admission to the facility is $5, with monies generated being reinvested into the maintenance and care of the magnificent conservatory and surrounding gardens, as well as into additional programming and new exhibits. For an additional $5, residents of Ontario may also upgrade to a season’s pass, to return as often as they like as displays are changed throughout the year. Parking is also available on site.
NPC is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.
Niagara At Large 
The English name of this remarkable flower is Titan Arum; the scientific name, however, translates as “titanic (huge) shapeless phallus” — which just about says it all!
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Kew Gardens in England has one of these plants ,I just have to see this plant, hope it isn’t related to the plant in “The little Shop of Horrors” this is a must see event.!! The plant rarely flowers so we have to get on the ball,.could be a decade before that happens again.
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