Dracunculus vulgaris

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?GKOIB 11 June 2010 Dracunculus vulgaris

This rather strange plant has a strong dead carrion odor for about a day to attract flies for pollination. Early this morning the odor was more than apparent. Later in the day the odor rapidly disappears to a minor level. They spread by self-seeding and by bulb offsets. I get two or three plants each year. After seeding it completely dies off, and it is prudent to remember that there is something planted in the bare appearing space. I take delight in showing visitors when in full bloom and pretend there is no odor. I grew from three bulbs about four years ago, which were obtained off the internet.

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?ENTQT 13 June 2010 Dracunculus vulgaris Two days after first blooming. The base of the black spike is where the large seed pod forms. There is no detectable odor from the plant today.

[Touchwood]

That's pretty impressive looking