A torch in the rain forest: thermogenesis of the Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) |
| |
Authors: | W Barthlott J Szarzynski P Vlek W Lobin & N Korotkova |
| |
Institution: | Nees Institute for Biodiversity of Plants, Bonn, Germany; UN-SPIDER Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)/German Aerospace Center (DLR) UN Campus, Bonn, Germany; Center for Development Research (ZEF), Division of Ecology and Natural Resources, Bonn, Germany; Botanical Gardens of the University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany |
| |
Abstract: | An outstanding flagship species in the plant kingdom is the Titan arum ( Amorphophallus titanum ), which produces a fountain-like bloom up to 3 m high. The unique appearance of three simultaneous inflorescences in May 2006 was a chance to analyse the flowering behaviour and thermogenesis of this giant. For the first time, the heating of the central column (spadix) could be documented using a high-performance thermographic camera. Time series analyses of the infrared image sequences revealed that the 3-m high spadix surface heats up in pulses emanating from the base of the inflorescence. The surface temperature reaches over 36 °C, compared to the ambient temperature of 27 °C. Waves of the carrion-like odour are synchronised with these heat pulses. The combination of heat pulses, the fountain-like shape plus the enormous size lead to a unique type of 'convection flower'. On the basis of our observations, we assume that Amorphophallus titanum is able to overcome thermodynamic decoupling by a self-produced convective process. |
| |
Keywords: | Amorphophallus titanum Araceae deception flower infrared thermography mimicry pollination thermogenesis |
|
|