Have you ever looked out into the world and wondered what exotic plants and flowers are growing? From picturesque blooms to peculiar roots, botanicals can be found in unexpected places. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten amazing botanicals you need to see to believe. From vibrant violets to magical mushrooms, there’s a bit of something for everyone. So get ready for an adventure as we delve into some of nature’s most wondrous wonders!
Rafflesia Arnoldii
Rafflesia arnoldii is specie of flowering plants in the genus Rafflesia. It is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. R. arnoldii produces the largest individual flower on earth. The flowers are red with white spots and can grow to be over three feet wide!
Wolffia globosa
Wolffia globosa is specie of flowering plant in the duckweed family. It is the smallest known angiosperm and one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, capable of doubling its population in as little as three days. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia, but can be found on every continent except Antarctica now.
Wolffia globosa blooms continuously throughout its lifetime, producing tiny flowers that each contain both male and female reproductive organs. The flowers are self-fertile, meaning that each flower can pollinate itself. As the flowers mature, they sink below the surface of the water, where they are fertilized by pollen from other flowers.
The plants reproduce vegetatively as well, through a process called fragmentation. If a fragment of a Wolffia plant breaks off and lands in an area with enough sunlight and water, it will quickly grow into a new plant.
While Wolffia globosa is not typically used as food for humans, it is an important food source for fish, ducks, and other aquatic animals. It is also investigated as possible biofuel crop due to its high growth rate and ability to thrive in nutrient-poor environments.
Welwitschia mirabilis
Welwitschia mirabilis is a plant that is native to the Namib Desert in southern Africa. The plant is named after the Austrian botanist Friedrich Welwitsch, who was the first to describe it.
Welwitschia mirabilis is a member of the family Welwitschiaceae, which includes only one other species, Welwitschia bainesii. The plants are dioecious, meaning that each individual plant is either male or female.
The most distinctive feature of Welwitschia mirabilis is its long, strap-like leaves. These leaves can grow up to 3 m (9.8 ft) in length and are often frayed or torn at the edges. The plant also produces cones, which contain seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Welwitschia mirabilis is a slow-growing plant and can live for hundreds of years. In fact, some plants are thought to be over 1,000 years old!
Hydra Africana
Hydra Africana is a parasitic plant that grows on the roots of other plants in arid regions of southern Africa. The plant has no leaves, stems, or chlorophyll and derives all its nutrients from its host plant. Hydra Africana flowers are large and fleshy, and they emit a foul odor that attracts carrion-feeding insects such as flies and beetles. These insects crawl into the flower to feed on the nectar, and in doing so, they pollinate the plant.
Nepenthes rajah
Nepenthes rajah, also known as the king cobra pitcher plant, is a species of pitcher plant native to Mount Kinabalu in Borneo. The plant is named after the venomous snake for its resemblance to the reptile’s hood.
Nepenthes rajah is the largest species of pitcher plant, with some specimens reaching over a meter in height. The pitchers are typically green with red or brown spots but can also be entirely red or brown. The plants rely on insects for pollination and use their pitchers to trap prey.
While Nepenthes rajah is not considered endangered, its habitat is under threat from deforestation and climate change.
Dracunculus vulgaris
Dracunculus vulgaris, known as the dragon arum or dragonwort commonly, is a dramatic-looking flower that is native to the Mediterranean region. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a large, purplish-black flower that resembles a dragon’s head. The bloom only lasts for a few days, but it is definitely an eye-catching sight!
Amorphophallus titanum
If you thought flowers were only meant for looks, think again. The Amorphophallus titanum, more commonly known as the corpse flower, is one of the largest and most foul-smelling flowers in the world. Growing up to 10 feet tall, this behemoth of a plant produces a putrid-smelling odor that has been likened to the stench of rotting flesh – hence its nickname. But believe it or not, this smell is actually attractive to certain insects that are essential for pollination. So while the corpse flower may not be a pleasant addition to your garden, it’s definitely an amazing sight to see.
Aristolochia gigantea
Aristolochia gigantic is one of the largest and most impressive members of the Aristolochia genus. It is a native of Brazil, where it can be found growing in open areas in the rainforest. The plant can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters), with a stout stem and large, heart-shaped leaves. The flowers are equally impressive, reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. They are white with purple spots and have an incredibly intricate structure. Aristolochia gigantea is an amazing plant that is well worth seeking out if you are interested in unusual botanicals.
Passiflora edulis
- Passiflora edulis: Also known as the purple passionflower or blue crown passionflower, this flowering plant is native to South America. The flowers are large and beautiful, with purple petals and a white center. The plant grows best in humid climates, and the flowers bloom from spring to summer.
Conclusion
From carnivorous plants to bioluminescent fungi, nature truly has some of the most spectacular sights to behold. Although these ten amazing botanicals have been highlighted here because of their unique characteristics, there are countless other wonderful varieties of flora that one can explore and discover. Whether you’re a casual plant enthusiast or an experienced horticulturist, it is always worth taking the time to reconnect with nature and appreciates its wonders!
