Plants are great to spruce up the house, garden or office space. Generic house plants such as ferns, spider plants and orchids have been dotted around for years but with more and more species being discovered by the day, what are the most outrageous and downright bizarre plants on offer?
The Venus Flytrap - Dionaea Muscipula
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| Venus Flytrap |
The first in the list is the fairly well known carnivorous plant, the Venus flytrap. The plant lures its prey (mostly insects and arachnids) into its lobes by emitting a sweet scent. When an unsuspecting prey comes in contact with the tiny hairs inside the lobes, a chemical reaction is triggered causing the lobes to shut tight; trapping the prey inside. It is here within the closed lobes that the process of digestion begins. Attempts of escape on the part of the insect are futile since movement simply speeds up the process of digestion. With its spikey stems and lobes and dramatic colouring the flytrap can add a touch of the tropical to any indoor area.
Giant Water Lilies - Victoria Amazonica
As you may be able to infer form its Latin name, the giant water lilies are native to the amazon area. Their roots can grow up to 26 feet while their pads and flowers have been measured at the diameter of about 10 feet. After its introduction into Europe in 1837 the plant was named after Queen Victoria. The flowers of the Victoria are just as breath-taking as its giant leaves; as they change colour from blinding white to sweet pink.
Hydnora Africana
With no common name, as it is not a common plant, the Hydnora Africana originates from South Africa. This is one of the most bizarre looking plants on the list and because of its repulsive odour there aren’t many people who would decide on it for a house plant. The plant is of the parasitic variety, which means it takes its sustenance from other plants.
Rafflesia Arnoldii
Another plant that may not win any beauty prizes is the Rafflesia Arnoldii. It’s scent is also not very inviting being likened to the smell of rotting meat. Found in South East Asian rainforests this plant is extremely rare. Its fleshy bloom is considered one of the biggest in the world with some flowers weighing in at a staggering 24 pounds and a diameter 3 feet across.
Corpse Flower - Amorphophallus Titanum
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| Amorphophallus Titanum - Source |
The nickname of this colossal plant is fairly off putting, as is its odour, it emits a scent reminiscent of rotting flesh. Indigenous to the Sumatran rain forest this bloom can grow upwards of ten feet, towering over any human unlucky enough to have bumped into it.
