Page 50 - GK Class 06

41 Fascinating Flowers

Flowers are some of the most amazing things found in God’s wonderful

creation. All are beautiful in their own way but, like most things, some are
just a bit more interesting than others. It may be in their appearance, in how

rare they are.

Read about some of the amazing flowers of the world.

1. Largest Unbranched Inflorescence (Cluster of Flowers) in the
World
Titan arum, Amorphophallus titanium or the Corpse Flower is the
largest unbranched inflorescence in the world. It is the worst
smelling flower in the world. It is native to Sumatra, Indonesia at
the edges of rainforests in the grasslands. This plant ranges in size
from 7’ to 12’ and can weigh as much as 170 lbs. The flower blooms
only for about 24 to 48 hours after blooming only once every four to
six years.

2. Largest Single Flower in the World
Rafflesia, a native of rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo in the
Indonesian Archipelago, is the largest flower in the world. It is one
of the rarest plants on the earth. The flower of this plant weighs
upto 24 lbs. The flower buds take 10 months to open up. The
rafflesia flower blooms for only three to five days in a year.

3. Largest Branched Inflorescence in the World
The Talipot Palm or Corypha Umbraculifera is the largest branched
inflorescence of any plant in the world which is 6-8 m long. It is
native to Southern India and Sri Lanka. The flower stalk ranges in
size from 18’ to 25’ with upto several million flowers on its
branched stalk. Talipot, which can live upto 80 years, flowers only
once producing a cluster of several millions of flowers that grow
from the top of the stem.

4. Sea Poison Tree
Once in full bloom these flowers resemble a cheerleader’s pom
pom. They are common along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean and
Indian Ocean. They have a sweet smell that attracts bats and moths
at night.
This Corner

Broccoli that stay eat is actually a flower.

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