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RARE DEVIL'S TONGUE BLOOMS FOR FIRST TIME IN THE UK

A flower thought never to have blossomed outdoors in the UK is blooming at a botanic garden on the Isle of Wight.

The rare Devil’s Tongue Arum (Amorphophallus rivieri “Konjac”), which is related to the world’s largest flower (Amorphophallus titanium), stands 60cm tall and has the distinctive, if less than alluring, smell of rotting flesh.

The blood-coloured flower is expected to stay in bloom for about a week (until Monday 31 May approx) and can be viewed by members of the public at the Ventnor Botanic Gardens.

It makes for impressive viewing at the garden, which showcases hundreds of plants from all corners of the globe thanks to Ventnor’s microclimate which gives tropical plants the opportunity to flourish miles from their natural habitats.

The striking plant originated from Indonesia where it inhabits hot, leafy forest floors. It can also be found in China where it is subjected to colder winters than Indonesia. It is said to have medicinal properties and has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels so may be of interest in the treatment of diabetes.

Simon Goodenough, Curator at Ventnor Botanic Garden said: “We are both surprised and delighted that the Devil’s Tongue Arum is in flower considering the incredibly harsh and snowy winter we endured this year.

“Here at Ventnor we have many unusual plants from around the world but this has to be one of the most impressive sights we have seen for many years. It might not be the prettiest or the sweetest smelling flower in our collection but for curiosity value it is certainly well worth a visit!”