Oils vaporize to create scent: titan arum

Oils in the titan arum plant are volatilized to release its unique scent by raising the internal temperature.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Modify >
	Modify physical state >
	Phase

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Biological pest control products with temperature-variable responses.

> Visit strategy page

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"To produce its perfume, the plant [titan arum] raises its internal temperature several degrees above that of its surroundings and vaporises oils secreted in its heart." (Attenborough 1995:140)

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: Biological pest control products with temperature-variable responses.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Scent industry, agriculture

References

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

Oils vaporize to create scent: titan arum

Content tools

Curator of this page

Comments