onlyplants

Allow me to introduce the #Aristolochia gigantea, a true masterpiece of nature. 
   
The Aristolochia is a large genus of over 500 known species, and the gigantea is a climbing species found in shaded and humid tropical forests across Central and South America.
Their heart shaped leaves are very easy on the eyes, but everyone would agree that their flowers steal the spotlight.

Not only do these flowers resemble rotting meat, within the depths of each flower, a hidden chamber emits an irresistible fragrance reminiscent of decaying matter. 

Pollenators find themselves trapped for up to 3 days in the flowers. It is in this intimate encounter, that the grand performance of pollination begins.  Fortunately, the Aristolochia is a ceremonious host, as it feeds its confused guests delicious nectar in the process. On the second or third day, the flower finally releases the pollenators with fresh pollen on their backs, ready to submit themselves to another delicious trap.

#Aristolocheagigantea and their sinister flowers! Find out why!