Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - An Indonesian university is cultivating the giant corpse flower (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) in its Biology Education Laboratory greenhouse to support education and research.

"The corpse flower we planted in December 2024 is now thriving and has produced a stunning, exotic bloom," said Luthfiana Nurtamara, manager of the Biology Education Laboratory greenhouse at Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), on Thursday.

The plant was sourced from the Tropical Rainforest Biodiversity Park in Lembah Bukit Manjai, Banjar, South Kalimantan. In 2024, conservation biologist Amalia Rezeki, founder of the park, donated the species to the university.

"The donation of Amorphophallus species enriches our tropical plant collection and provides hands-on learning for students," said Aulia Ajizah, head of the ULM Biology Education Laboratory.

Currently, the laboratory is cultivating three Amorphophallus species from the park: Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, Amorphophallus muelleri BI, and Amorphophallus borneensis — all endemic to Kalimantan.

Rezeki explained that the genus Amorphophallus consists of about 220 species worldwide, with Indonesia hosting the largest variety in Southeast Asia. Of the 29 species recorded in the country, most are endemic.

"Amorphophallus represents one of the most primitive surviving plant genera on Earth," she said.

While classified as Least Concern (LC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), wild populations remain vulnerable due to their high economic value and overharvesting.

ULM plans to use the flowering corpse flowers as a teaching tool, enabling students to study their growth, reproduction, and ecological role firsthand.

Related news: Two Rafflesia arnoldii flowers in full bloom in South Bengkulu
Related news: Rare flowers bloom in remote West Sumatra's Agam