From Taiwan comes the amazingly hardy and very easy-to-grow Amorphophallus henryi. Before this woodland garden treasure is mature enough to have sex, you'll enjoy the 2' tall, speckled green petiole with white blotches, topped by a giant divided leaf, giving the overall effect of a decorated palm frond stuck in the ground. Typical emergence times for the foliage is mid-June (NC) through mid-September. Once the tuber saves up enough energy (usually 2-3 years), it will produce a fascinating flower just prior to leaf emergence. The 1' tall floral structure resembles a glossy purple volcanic caldera on a stick, with a dark purple "old faithful" spadix emerging from the center. If you see a flock of buzzards circling overhead, you'll know they are just enjoying the floral fragrance. After flowering, if it had really good sex, you'll soon enjoy seeing the 1' tall spike of dark blue berries.
