A Thermographic Look at the Corpse Flower

(Editors Note: Steve Mirowski and Steven Kramer of Advantage Infrared performed an investigation of "Audrey", Dr. Bill Roston's Corpse Flower, which was on display last year during its bloom. The following paragraph and photos were taken from their document, "The Corpse Flower: A Thermographer's Perspective" which is available in its entirety as a downloadable PDF below. Also see "Catching Up with Audrey a Year Later.")

ABSTRACT

Audrey the Corpse FlowerThe Amorphophallus Titanum, Titan Arum (the Corpse Flower) is a rare specimen, with limited observational opportunities. The fact that it experiences metabolic heat generation makes it an enticing subject for a thermographer. The Corpse Flower is a unique life form with an air of mystification and questions remain regarding its specific thermal functions and their purpose. The approach this paper takes is strictly from a thermographer's perspective, utilizing limited interdisciplinary knowledge of botany and entomology. The results of our investigation confirm that the plant generates heat both at the tip of the spadix and inside at the base where the spathe and spadix intersect. The latter indicates further confirmation of the common hypothesis that the plant intentionally smells like a rotting flesh in order to attract bugs for pollination. However, the former does not appear to be consistent with this hypothesis. The tip of the spadix is not the source of the pollen and would be surprising if it aided in the propagating the stench any further. However, it may indicate that some of the plant's pollinating insects actually are able to sense in the infrared spectrum. As can be seen in the thermal images, the tip of the spadix would act like a visual beacon for locating the source of what the insect smells. This kind of investigation could lead to a better understanding of ecological interconnectivity, the potential for increased opportunities within the realm of this kind of scientific investigation, and the potential for a better understanding of our thermal world.

 The Corpse Flower: A Thermographer’s Perspective (620.16 kB)

Gallery - Click Thumbnails to see enlarged photos.