Introduction to the Corpse Flower
The corpse flower, also known as the titan arum, is a rare and unusual plant that blooms only for a day or two every few years. It is native to the tropics of Sumatra, Indonesia, and has a strong, pungent smell that is often compared to rotting flesh. This smell serves a purpose, attracting pollinators like flies and carrion beetles to the plant.
The Allure of the Corpse Flower
Despite its strong smell, the corpse flower has a cult-like following. Thousands of people flocked to see the flower bloom at a public garden in Australia in January, with the garden keeping its gates open late at night to accommodate the crowds. Biologist Olivia Murrell notes that the smell of the corpse flower is particularly potent, hitting you as soon as you enter the greenhouse. The plant also heats up when it blooms, which helps to spread its smell farther.
Conservation Efforts
The corpse flower is an endangered species, threatened by habitat destruction and climate change. However, biologists from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden have discovered that the plant is facing another challenge: poor record keeping. The scientists studied the genetic ancestry of 1,200 corpse flowers in gardens and institutions around the world and found that many of the plants were clones or the offspring of closely related individuals. This lack of genetic diversity can be a death sentence for the species.
The Risks of Inbreeding
Inbreeding can result in a range of evolutionarily disadvantageous traits that can harm the health and survival of the plant. Murrell notes that inbred plants may not produce as much pollen or may die soon after flowering. Additionally, a lack of genetic diversity can make the population more vulnerable to disease and pests. The corpse flower is particularly challenging to conserve because its seeds cannot be preserved in seed banks, and the plants in living collections are high maintenance.
The Challenges of Conservation
The corpse flower blooms rarely and unpredictably, making it difficult for conservationists to pollinate the plants. The female flowers open first, and then the male flowers open later, giving conservationists only a short window to use the pollen. This can result in inbreeding, as conservationists may use pollen from a previous flower on the same individual. Murrell’s study found that the highest rate of missing data occurred when plants were transferred to new locations, making it difficult to keep track of the plants’ origin, parents, characteristics, health, and propagation history.
Why It Matters
The corpse flower is an exceptional plant, with only an estimated 162 individuals left in the wild. Inbred specimens can hamper reintroduction efforts, and the population needs variation to survive. Murrell notes that if nothing changes, the corpse flower could inbreed itself into extinction. The study highlights the importance of keeping consistent, standardized, and centralized data to prevent inbreeding and ensure the survival of the species.
Conclusion
The corpse flower is a unique and fascinating plant that is facing a range of challenges in the wild. The discovery of poor record keeping and inbreeding highlights the need for international cooperation and the creation of a global genetic database to prevent the extinction of this enigmatic species. By working together, we can help to conserve the corpse flower and ensure its survival for generations to come.
