Hand Pollination of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius

This close-up looking down inside of the funnel of the spathe shows the structures associated with the spadix. On top is the convoluted brain-like appendix. Below the appendix is the male flower zone, and below this is the female flower zone.

Note the shiny and smooth appearance of the appendix. During the evening of the first day of the opened inflorescence when the bad smell is being produced, the appendix surface is covered in a liquid film. This is probably the source of the smell. After the first day of the inflorescence opening, the appendix surface becomes dull and more rough in appearance.

This page was created by Scott Hyndman for the I.A.S. on January 7, 2001.