Leopard Plant?

June 24, 2006 6:29 PM

Help me identify this plant.

This plant popped up in a friend's garden in Charleston South Carolina. It seems that it took about three or four days to get to the current size, about 3 feet. The leopard/girrafe print on the stalk is very interesting. Any ideas?

posted by splatta to Science & Nature (8 answers total)

Look at this auction on eBay (not mine, not anything to do with me, 6th link on a google for 'giraffe stalk plant'). It looks like it might be something like yours, including the fast growth.
posted by Dipsomaniac at 6:37 PM on June 24, 2006

And if it is yours, apparently the bloom smells like rotting meat.

Lucky you.
posted by Dipsomaniac at 6:54 PM on June 24, 2006

Maybe these people can help you out.
posted by miagaille at 7:31 PM on June 24, 2006

I have to agree with Dipsomaniac. Looks like some sort of Amorphophallus. I am only guessing. Is your friend a new resident of this home? The previous owner could of planted this tuber.

Here is a website with some pictures and information.

posted by LoriFLA at 7:43 PM on June 24, 2006

Sorry, the website didn't post.

Website
posted by LoriFLA at 7:45 PM on June 24, 2006

Dracunculus vulgaris. Have it in my yard, comes up every year. Can't get rid of it. Yuck!

Don't know how to post live link, but here ya go:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/showimage/5365/
posted by shifafa at 9:11 PM on June 24, 2006

Dracunculus vulgaris

aka Voodoo Lilly.
posted by StickyCarpet at 9:37 PM on June 24, 2006

Otherwise known as the stink lily. Hello, rotting meat!
posted by puke & cry at 10:22 PM on June 24, 2006 [1 favorite]