Q. Which of the following statements about the Corpse Flower are correct?
1.It undergoes photosynthesis through its flowers instead of leaves.
2.It emits a foul odour resembling rotting flesh to attract carrion insects for pollination.
3.It is native to the Amazon rainforest.
4.It generates heat during blooming.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanations –
Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect. The corpse flower does not perform photosynthesis through its flowers. Instead, it stores energy in an underground corm, and its single large leaf performs photosynthesis when the plant is not blooming. The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia. It blooms every 7 to 10 years and lasts only for about 24 to 48 hours. It has the largest unbranched inflorescence in the plant kingdom.
Statements 2 and 4 are correct. The corpse flower emits a stench similar to decaying meat to lure insects like carrion beetles and flies, which aid in its pollination process. The corpse flower undergoes thermogenesis, where its spadix heats up to around 36–40°C, helping to disperse the odour over long distances and attract pollinators. Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN).
Source: The Hindu
