Antara 26 Jun 18;
Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - A two-meter-high corpse flower, or Amorphophallus titanum, has been in full bloom in the rare flower breeding area of the residents of Tebat Monok Village, Kepahiang District, located some 53 kilometers from Bengkulu City, Bengkulu Province.
"The flower was in full bloom on Monday (June 25) afternoon and was in this state for only a few hours before its buds collapsed back in," Holidin, owner of a rare breeding area, noted here on Tuesday.
He stated that when the flower was in full bloom, it emitted a rotten stench.
The stench arising from the carcass flower, in no way, reduces the beauty of the flower that blooms in purplish and unusual shapes.
Although the petals collapse back in, the uniqueness of the carcass flower can still be enjoyed for up to the next two days.
Holidin remarked that before the flowers attain full bloom, the rare flower encampment area is opened to the public.
"Many visitors stop by as the location of this captive breeding site is also very strategic on the Bengkulu-Kepahiang road crossing," he said.
According to Holidin, the breeding area is intended for educational tourism in addition to the preservation of endemic rare flowers in Bengkulu.
The location is also home to some other types of carcass flowers, such as Amorphophallus variabilis, Amorphophallus gigas, and Amorphophallus paeonifolius.
Rafflesia arnoldii has also been grown in the breeding location since 1997, but until now, it has not bloomed.
Kartini, one of the visitors, was enthralled by the uniqueness of carrion flowers whose size exceeds the average height of humans.
"This is my first experience to witness carrion flowers. They smell a bit rotten but are very unique," she stated.
Visitors can enter this place free of charge. However, Holidin and his family have put up a voluntary donation box to support the management of the breeding area.
Reported by Helti Marini S
(T.KR-TQA/INE)
(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/C/R013)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
