Amorphophallus asper

Amorphophallus asper is a tropical plant species native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and the Philippines. It is a member of the Araceae family, which includes other well-known species like the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum). The plant typically grows to around 1 meter in height and produces a single leaf that is divided into smaller leaflets. The leaflets are green, heart-shaped, and have a slightly wavy edge.

One of the most distinctive features of Amorphophallus asper is its flowers of a plantinflorescence, which consists of a tall, erect fleshy spike of minute flowersspadix surrounded by a large, funnel-shaped a sheathing modified leaf partly enclosing flowersspathe. The a sheathing modified leaf partly enclosing flowersspathe is usually dark purple or maroon in color, while the fleshy spike of minute flowersspadix is light green with tiny, pale yellow flowers. The plant produces a strong odor similar to that of decaying flesh, which attracts flies and beetles for pollination.

Amorphophallus asper is often grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions, but it is also used for its tuberous roots, which are edible after being cooked. The tubers are rich in starch and are a traditional food source in many parts of Southeast Asia, where they are used in soups, stews, and other dishes. In addition, the plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory problems and skin diseases.

If you like Amorphophallus asper, you might also like Amorphophallus beccarii or Ambelania acida "Pajil Ruro"