Amorphophallus is a genus of approximately 170 tropical and
subtropical tuberous herbaceous plants belonging to the Arum
family (Araceae). The name 'Amorphophallus' is derived from the
Greek words 'amorphos' and 'phallos', meaning 'shapeless penis',
in reference to the prominent spadix appendix of the
inflorescence. The inflorescence of this species emits a scent
of decaying meat or fish in order to attract insects such as
flies that pollinate the flowers. The flowering period of this
species in cultivation at NTBG was observed to last about one
week.