Odor attracts specific insects: titan arum

1 of 2 Amorphophallus titanum 20060614-detail2 / Elke Wetzig .. / License

The inflorescence of the titan arum plant attracts specific pollinators by emitting an intense, carrion-like odor.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Process information >
	Send signals >
	Chemical (odor, taste, etc.)

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Bursts of pest control products as a response to environmental cues.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The titan's inflorescence is said to give off a revolting stench…As we sat beside it, the smell seemed to come in waves. Sometimes it was strong; sometimes it faded. There was no wind in the forest, so we had to conclude that the flower was sending out its perfume in pulses." (Attenborough 1995:139)

"A pronounced odor, different from species to species but usually carrion-like. A truly classical demonstration of its biological significance was given in 1926 by Knoll (1)…the odor serves the purpose of attracting large numbers of small insects-mostly Psychodid flies, but also some Staphylinid beetles-which are thereupon trapped in the floral chamber where they are held prisoner for about a day." (Bastiaan 1960:70)

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About the inspiring organism

Amorphophallus titanum
Amorphophallus titanum (Becc.) Becc.
[Titan arum]

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown

Some organism data provided by: World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Bursts of pest control products as a response to environmental cues.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Pest control

References

Attenborough, D. 1995. The Private Life of Plants: A Natural History of Plant Behavior. London: BBC Books. 320 p.

Bastiaan, J.D. Meeuse; Hatch, Melville H. 1960. Beetle pollination in Dracunculus and Sauromatum (Araceae). The Coleopterists Bulletin. 14(3): 70-74.

Odor attracts specific insects: titan arum

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