Amorphophallus

What does Amorphophallus look like?

Amorphophallus plants grow from tubers hidden below ground, which can be as small as a few grams or as heavy as 139 kilograms. Each plant produces a single large leaf on a thick stalk, and when mature, a single flower structure emerges. The flower consists of a sheath (spathe) that wraps around a central spike (spadix), which may be brownish-purple or pale green on the outside. Inside, the spathe often has ridges or bumps that help trap insects. The inflorescence can be small or, in the case of titan arum, several meters tall and wide. Some species emit a strong scent, sometimes compared to rotting flesh, while others have a more pleasant smell.

Where does Amorphophallus come from?

Amorphophallus grows wild in tropical and subtropical lowlands across Africa, Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands. These plants are not found in the Americas. They often grow in disturbed areas, such as secondary forests. The first scientific descriptions appeared in the late 17th century, and the genus name was introduced in the 19th century, inspired by the unusual shape of the flower spike. Over time, botanists merged several related groups into Amorphophallus, and today the genus includes many species, most of which are found only in limited areas.

When and how Amorphophallus blooms

Each Amorphophallus plant sends up a single leaf that lasts for one growing season. When ready to flower, the plant produces a large inflorescence from its tuber. The flower spike is surrounded by a spathe, which may be various colors and textures. The plant is monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers are present on the same spike, with female flowers opening first. Insects are attracted by the scent and become temporarily trapped, helping with pollination. After pollination, the plant forms berries that can be red, orange, white, yellow, or blue, depending on the species.

How Amorphophallus is used

Some Amorphophallus species are used as food, especially in times of scarcity, but require careful preparation to remove natural irritants. The tuber of Amorphophallus konjac is used in Japan to make konnyaku, a jelly-like food. The flowers are also notable for attracting visitors when they bloom, especially the titan arum, which draws crowds to botanical gardens. In the wild, the plants serve as food for certain moth and butterfly larvae.

Kinds of Amorphophallus

The genus includes the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) from Indonesia, famous for its massive, foul-smelling flower. Amorphophallus gigas is even taller, though its flower is slightly smaller. Amorphophallus konjac is widely grown for its edible tuber. Other species are found in specific regions such as Vietnam, India, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar, each with unique tuber shapes and flower sizes.

What Amorphophallus means

Amorphophallus species are best known for their unusual and sometimes record-breaking flowers. The titan arum, in particular, has become a spectacle at botanical gardens, with its rare and dramatic blooms drawing large crowds. The genus name reflects the plant’s distinctive flower shape. In Japan, konjac made from Amorphophallus tubers is a common food. Some species are also called voodoo-lily.

Questions people ask about Amorphophallus

Good reading and sources

• USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
• Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
• Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
• Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database

• Amorphophallus on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data