The world of flowers is incredibly diverse, featuring giant blooms that reach heights of up to 4 meters, while some species have clusters of flowers measuring only 1 mm.
1. The Smallest Flower in the World
The record for the smallest flowers in the world belongs to a plant from the family Araceae known as Wolffia arrhiza. Wolffia arrhiza is also one of the tiniest plants. They typically grow in stagnant water areas like ponds and lakes. This plant has no roots, and its flowers consist of one female and two male flowers. The largest cluster of flowers measures only 1 mm.
The largest cluster of Wolffia arrhiza flowers measures only 1 mm. (Photo: Nature)
The common method of reproduction for Wolffia arrhiza is through the separation of new individuals from the mother plant. In winter, they “sleep” and sink to the bottom of the water in the form of turions. Notably, these plants can generate energy through photosynthesis or absorb dissolved carbon from the environment.
2. The Largest Flower in the World
The largest flower is the corpse flower, scientifically known as Rafflesia arnoldii. This parasitic plant typically lives in the tropical rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia. It lacks stems, roots, and leaves, living as a parasite on a vine in the family Vitaceae.
The flower emerges close to the ground and, when it blooms, resembles a large eye. The inner flower parts cluster together while the outer parts expand, resembling a pupil and eyeball rising from the ground, hence its name, “corpse flower.”
The corpse flower can have a diameter of up to 1.5m and weigh between 10-12kg. (Photo: Nature)
The corpse flower can grow up to 1.5 meters in diameter, with a circumference of about 3-4 meters and weighing between 10-12 kg. The reproductive organs are located at the top of the flower, with numerous pollen grains below that could fill a small vase.
Although the corpse flower is quite beautiful, its fragrance is notoriously unpleasant, resembling the smell of decaying flesh. However, this foul odor and its coloration attract insects that assist in its pollination.
3. The Tallest Flowering Plant
Scientists have confirmed that the record for the tallest flowering plant belongs to the giant amorphophallus, scientifically named Amorphophallus titanum, part of the Araceae family. This plant grows in the forests of Sumatra, Indonesia. Its flower is actually a large inflorescence surrounded by a colossal spathe that resembles a coat. During its 40-year lifespan, the Amorphophallus titanum blooms only 3-4 times, each time lasting for 2-3 days.
The Amorphophallus titanum can reach a height of 3.7m and weigh up to 11kg. (Photo: Nature)
Moreover, what appears to be gigantic petals connected to this plant is actually a purple-colored bract. This enormous flower can grow up to 3.7 meters tall and weigh as much as 11 kg. At its center is a large flower stalk that carries a small, unbranched cluster of male and female flowers.
The unique aspect of the Amorphophallus titanum is that it also emits a foul smell. Similar to the corpse flower, this unpleasant odor primarily serves to attract flies and beetles for pollination.
4. The Latest Flowering Plant
The plant holding this record is Puya Raimondii, known as the “queen of the Andes.” Puya Raimondii belongs to the bromeliad family and stands about 3-4 meters tall. Its flowers only bloom when the plant reaches the age of 100 to 150 years.
The flowers of Puya Raimondii only bloom when the plant is 100 to 150 years old. (Photo: Nature)
When the Puya Raimondii flowers bloom, they form a cluster resembling large feathers. This inflorescence can contain thousands of flowers, producing up to 10 million seeds. Unfortunately, after dispersing all its seeds, the “queen” Puya Raimondii will pass away.
5. The Largest Branched Inflorescence in the World
The record for the largest branched inflorescence belongs to the Talipot palm, scientifically known as Corypha umbraculifera. The Talipot palm is native to southern India and Sri Lanka.
The inflorescence of the Talipot palm can grow up to 6-8m and contains millions of small flowers on its branches. (Photo: Nature)
This giant palm can reach heights of up to 25 meters, with a trunk diameter of 1.3 meters. Its leaves resemble outstretched hands, with diameters of up to 5 meters and petiole lengths of 4 meters. The Talipot palm has the largest inflorescence of any plant, measuring 6-8 meters long and containing millions of small flowers on the flowering branches at the top of its trunk. The Talipot palm only flowers once when it is about 30 to 80 years old.
