How Tall Can the Carcass Flower Grow?

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SUMMARY

The Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as the "carcass flower," has achieved a record height of 9.8 feet at the Cibodas Botanical Garden in Bogor, Indonesia. This flower, notorious for its foul odor resembling rotting flesh, is native to the rainforests of Sumatra and typically grows over 9 feet tall. Its unique characteristics have sparked discussions about its appeal, contrasting its grotesque nature with the concept of love, particularly in the context of Valentine's Day.

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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=816&e=1&u=/ap/20040315/ap_on_fe_st/indonesia_stinky_flower

JAKARTA, Indonesia - A rare flower that smells like rotting flesh and grows nearly 9.8 feet tall has bloomed in Indonesia, setting a new record for the species' height, officials said Saturday.

The Amorphophallus titanum — known locally as a "carcass flower" for the stench its bulbs emit upon opening — blossomed Thursday at the Cibodas Botanical Garden in Bogor.

The flower, one of the largest and smelliest in the world, comes from the rain forests of Sumatra island, and typically grows to more than 9 feet tall.
 
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And who says that flowers don't represent love?

Sure it may be large, grotesque, and stinky; but it represents love in itself. It has its flaws to humans but flies sure love it.

What isn't there to love in a large dead-smelling fleshy flower?

I say: down with roses
 
Remind us of this when Valentine's Day is coming up next year.
 
Stench by Calvin Klein ... for the one you'd love to get rid of for eternity.
 
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That's a beautiful sentiment, Motai. I am getting all choked up.