It smells like a dead possum: scientists have solved the mystery of the "corpse flower" that blooms once every 10 years. Photo

Scientists have solved the mystery of the "corpse flower" Amorphophallus Titanum, which smells like a dead possum. Since the plant blooms once every 10 years, it has kept its secrets for so long.

This giant, which reaches a height of more than 3.5 meters, emits its unusual scent only during flowering. However, scientists say they have finally solved the molecular mystery of the "corpse flower" and the reason for the stench, Popular Science writes.

In the Australian city of Geelong, thousands of people lined up to see and smell the "fragrant" flower that has recently bloomed there. Despite its overpowering aroma, this unusual plant knows how to put on a show.

The tropical flower Amorphophallus Titanum is native to Indonesia. It can grow for decades, but blooms only once every 5-10 years, scientists say. Interestingly, each bloom lasts only 24 to 48 hours, making it a very significant event that gathers huge crowds to see this floral wonder, CNN writes.

But the plant has gained popularity due to its unique odor during flowering, which resembles the stench of rotten meat. Scientists say they have finally solved the molecular mystery of the "corpse flower" and the reason for the stench.

A few days before flowering, a dark red petal layer opens at the base of the plant's central stem. And at this time, Amorphophallus Titanum begins to emit heat and heat up about 11 °C more than the temperature around it, scientists say. After that, the plant releases sulfurous chemicals that attract flies and other insects.

This process - thermogenesis - is common among animals, but extremely rare in flora. For a long time, scientists could not figure out why it occurs in the "corpse flower".

In the new study, a team of scientists collected tissue and leaf samples that were used for analysis. "This helped us to see which genes are expressed (used to make RNA and protein molecules) and to see which ones are particularly active when the appendix heats up and gives off an odor," explained G. Eric Schaller, professor of biological sciences and leader of the study.

The analysis revealed specific chemicals in the "corpse flower" that cause the unpleasant odor. The scientists also found the plant's genes that allow it to form and transport sulfur.

Scientists say that these discoveries explain the mechanism by which the plant creates a unique odor.

In the future, the team of scientists plans to find out how the "fragrant" flower initiates the flowering cycle and whether it synchronizes with other plants to increase the chances of pollination.

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