ALOR STAR: A rare tuberous
herbaceous plant, believed to be amorphophallus prainii,
which resembles an Olympic torch, was found at Bukit Wang
recreational park, 32km from here recently.
The state’s Malaysia Nature Society (MNS) chairman
Phang Fatt Khow said the plant was uncommon in this country
and that it was odd to be growing next to a car park at
the recreational park as it was normally found in lowlands
and secondary forests.
“This plant is in the last growing season. Its leaf
or flower will die and fall off but the rhizome will stay
in the underground and enter a dormant period,” he
said, adding that it was also uncommon to find two plants
growing next to each other.
Amorphophallus is a large genus of some 170 tropical and
subtropical tuberous herbaceous plants from the Arum family.
The largest, amorphophallus titanium, was reported to be
able to grow and reach over three metres tall.
Phang said the plant at the Bukit Wang recreational area
was about three days old and would last for several days
more.
He said it resembled amorphophallus prainii as it bore the
characteristic white flower. The plant has grown up to 60cm
in height.
“If we cut open the flower, it will give out a repulsive
scent which is used to attract insects,” he said,
adding that there were reports that a similar species was
found in the Perlis State Park recently.
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