UW-Madison: D.C. Smith Greenhouse

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of catching a rare flower in bloom. Knowing it does this only once after several years and then only for a few days, I decided to take a trip to Madison to check it out.

The flower was given the name Dennis. Initially I just kept calling it plant till I was informed it's name was Dennis when I didn't bother to find out what it's name was. (Okay, very bad Monty Python joke there).

While I was at the greenhouse, I decided to check out some of the other plants as well. This was a combination of a few plants in close proximity. Love the red, almost purple leaves. Wish I had looked up the name of them. *

I love this one, it's kind of a yellow cactus. Yes, I know. I should spend some time and figure out what the names of the flowers I'm photographing.

Another view of Dennis. The proper name is Titan Arum, or Amorphophallus Titanum to be exact. It can be found naturally in Sumatra, Indonesia.

Another cactus plant. Doesn't the needles almost look furry?

An interesting sort of plant. To be honest, I don't even know where to begin, except it's really cool.

In a way, this flower kind of reminds me of the Titan Arum, except it's smaller and prettier. What's it called? Again, I'm not sure. I would venture a guess though, it's some variant of Amorphophallus.

One last look at the Titan Arum, otherwise known as the Corpse Flower because when in bloom it smells like rotten meat. Yes, it really was that awful. Certainly, one of the oddest flowers I've ever come across.




*If anyone can help identify these plants, I'd be very appreciative.