There is a Dirk Diggler in the plant kingdom. The Titan Arum or Amorphophallus titanum is considered one of the largest flowers in the world if not  the most symbolic.  Recently its flowering and deflowering occurred at the Botanical Garden Basel and had a pistil six feet high high. Thousands of well-informed experts were on hand to witness the performance. 

Even under optimum conditions, flowering is rare,  as are the 134 preserved specimens in botanical gardens around the world (about  half in the US), including one in Lansing Michigan that  opened and closed  in 2010.

 

 Phallic Flower Facts: the flower fades after a few days, alas, sometimes within 24 hours after hatching (erectile dysfunction)? However, the tuber does not die, usually producing a new flower about three years later.   Besides being visually spectacular, Penis Titanic fills all the senses. It is distinguished by its very memorable odour… the smell of decaying carrion. The stench is so bad is been known to turn away even its most ardent admirers won't  feel like dancing to Boogie Nights. It is also known as the corpse flower; Amorphophallus titanum in Latin means "giant deformed penis".

 Like too many flora all over the world, the species is endangered. There is no known use of any part the Titan Arum in perfumery. But if there was a perfumer and/or a brand who would  create the odor of corpse flower, or pay homage to its grand proportions.

–Michelyn Camen, Editor-In Chief

Editor's Note: Our Reader Anna in Edinborough commented  the Titan Arum will have a one night stand at Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh  in a few weeks.