Chanel, a notable Amorphophallus titanum plant at the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, blooms every three to five years, often aligning with significant summer events like Pride. This year, it unfurled its distinct blood-hued spathe on July 4, emitting a powerful odor that prompts mixed reactions among onlookers. The plant's life cycle involves a growth phase lasting three to ten years, storing energy in a tuber before producing a single leaf and ultimately blooming, which showcases thousands of male and female flowers arranged to avoid self-pollination.
The San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers' Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as Chanel, blooms every three to five years, typically just before summer Pride events, and notably flowered on July 4 this year.
This unique plant emits a strong odor during its short bloom period, which some find reminiscent of well-seasoned steak or strong cheese, creating both intrigue and revulsion among visitors.
Chanel's bloom involves the release of its blood-hued spathe, revealing a complex reproductive structure with thousands of male and female flowers designed to prevent self-pollination.
The life cycle of the Amorphophallus titanum includes a lengthy dormancy where energy is stored in a tuber, taking between three to ten years before it flowers.
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