Wednesday Titan Update

Titan #2 upped it's growth rate in past 24 hours. I'm unable to pinpoint an exact date that it will open, but still expect it to happen within 10 days to 2 weeks. When the last bract falls, within a day or two it should open. Bracts are the green leafy like part that surround the inflorescence bud. In the above picture, there are two green bracts readily visible. A brown bract is at the base of the titan bud. Just to let everyone know, we (well mainly UTech) are looking at providing a live video feed for this titan. Because of various factors, I am not optimistic that they can provide it, so everyone will just have to come see it in person!

Above the Bracts

If you notice to the right side of the blog, there is a daily listing of Titan #2's height and subsequent difference in it from the previous day. The spadix finally pushed past the tallest bract Friday night/Saturday morning, so that is why there is such a discrepancy in height differences over the past two or three days.

Face the Camera

Yesterday, I twirled Titan #2 around so all the pretty parts could be seen better. If you click on the picture and have it come up full size, you can just barely see the spadix peeking above the spathe and behind the bracts.

Here we go again!

This is WIU Titan #2. As you may recall, we have four Amorphophallus titanum (Titan Arums) in the WIU Botany Greenhouse. Last year, May and June 2010, two of them produced inflorescences. Now, Titan #2 is producing an inflorescence. Yesterday morning it was measured to be 19.5" tall. Going by past experiences and data of previous Titans, I would think Titan #2 will open in two or three weeks.