Pink lily, Stinking Snakeskin Lily
Amorphophallus variabilis
Family: Araceae
What it is like
A plant with a flattened root tuber which is 15 cm across. The leaf stalk is mottled green and white. The surface of the stalk is raised and roughened. It is up to 1 m long. There leaf occurs singly and is expanded to 1 m wide. It is divided into lobes about 4 cm long. The flower stem is 10 cm long. The spike of flowers is closely arranged around the central axis. Those at the base are female and those above are male. The flower spike is 20-25 cm long. The top part is a reddish-brown bladder like part. The flower produces berries which are about 1.5 cm across. The flowers give off a very strong bad smell which attracts flies to pollinate the plant.
There are about 170-200 Amorphophallus species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in teak forests and disturbed forests up to 900 m above sea level. It suits shady locations. It grows amongst limestone rocks. It is damaged by drought and frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Indonesia (country/location of origin), Myanmar, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The tubers is reported to be eaten after grating, pounding and roasting. The stems are reported to be eaten.
Edible parts
Tubers, root, corm, leaves, fruit
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed or from small tubers attached to the plant.
Its other names
Local names
Acung, Kembang bangkai