Amorphophallus aphyllus

Description

Amorphophallus aphyllus is a distinctive species native to West Tropical Africa.  The flower emerges before the leaves and is quite extraordinary with a large dark-maroon spathe which surrounds an almost black ‘spadix’ – it is at the base of this where the actual flowers are hidden.  Pollinators are attracted by the strong fragrance, which is a mixture of excrement and rotting flesh – if you’re a fly this is highly attractive!  Flowers are produced during late spring and only last a few days before withering at which point a large and beautiful single leaf emerges with deep green ‘leaflets’ arranged in an exotic looking whorl.  Not. often grown here in the UK, once the plant becomes dormant, lift it or move it into a frost free environment which is kept on the dry side – winter rot will be fatal.  Otherwise – easy and fabulous.

Do read our growing guide for more information.