Have you ever spied a tiny wild strawberry blossom growing in your yard and questioned if there could possibly be a smaller flower? Perhaps you have pondered if any bloom could be larger than a giant sunflower nodding its head in the summer wind. You may be surprised by just how small, smelly, huge, dangerous, and edible some flowers can be.
World's Smallest Flower
The world’s smallest flowering plant is of the Wolffia genus, commonly known as watermeal. These tiny plants are nearly microscopic. A single plant weighs about the same as two grains of salt. Several individual blossoms can easily fit inside the eye of a needle. As a type of duckweed, they flourish in stagnant or slow-moving waters, such as ponds and streams. Watermeal is surprisingly high in protein and is often eaten as a vegetable.
World's Largest and Smelliest Flowers
Ironically, the world’s largest flowers also emit the foulest fragrance. Though they are unique in size and appearance, the smell of these flowers may be enough to convince the sensitive human nose that bigger isn't always better.
· Largest single bloom
The world’s largest flower also proudly claims title to being the smelliest. This stinky behemoth can stretch to an astounding 3 feet in full bloom. Its natural habitats are the warm tropical forests of
Indonesia and
Malaysia. Though the scientific name is
Rafflesia Arnoldii, natives familiar with the stench refer to it as the “corpse lily.” An apt name for
such an unpleasant fragrance!
·
Tallest
A similarly large flower, Titan arum, is also found in
Indonesia's rain forests. Like the stinking corpse lily, it attracts bees for pollination by emitting an unpleasant odor. In fact,
its alternate name is similar too, as it is often referred to as the “corpse flower.” Titan arum can tower up to 12 feet and weigh 170 pounds.
The overwhelming smell of these "corpse" flowers have even caused people to pass out from getting too close!
Deadliest Flowers
 |
Oleander Flower
|
It may be disconcerting to learn that some of the loveliest flowers are also the most dangerous. Cascading Angel's Trumpet, delicate Lily of the Valley, and fragrant and colorful Daphne can all be deadly to humans and animals if ingested. The lovely pink petals of the Oleander flower disguise the fact that it is one of the most poisonous plants on earth. The entire Oleander plant contains toxins that can affect the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems simultaneously. The potency of these flowers proves that lethal things can come in deceptively pretty packages.
Tastiest Edible Flower
As everyone's taste differs, what one person believes to be the tastiest among edible flowers may contradict another’s opinion. Calendula, or marigold, flowers have a flavor that can range from spicy to bitter. They can be sprinkled on soup, salad, rice and pasta. Carnations have dramatically sweet petals that are often used in wines and desserts. Dandelions, those weeds so prevalent spring through summer, have buds that are honey-like in flavor. They are used to make wine and add unique flavor to salads and other dishes. The use of edible flowers in dishes and as a garnish is experiencing a recent resurgence in the culinary world. Other edible flowers include jasmine, lavender, clover, begonia, chrysanthemum, and the day lily. The list of edible flowers is quite extensive. Try one sometime. You might just like it!
A Black Rose?
Nope, it doesn't exist. In fact, you won't find a totally black flower of any type. Black doesn't seem to be nature's color for flowers. What many florists or gardeners may refer to as a black flower is actually an extremely dark shade of purple. Adding black accents to a bouquet with dark purple flowers, can give it the effect of looking black.
I hope you learned a little something. You never know when trivia will come in handy!
