Botanical philosopher Norbert Peeters finds the lives of plants endlessly invigorating. Deep in the undergrowth of his local urban hothouse, surrounded by chirping insects and fern fronds, a gigantic inflorescence is unfurling. Colloquially known as 'the penis flower,' the 𝘈𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 gives off an intolerably foul scent, yet its emergence has made international headlines and attracted a sea of visitors who queue to take a photo with the bulbous bloom. From the dusty journals of historical naturalists to the flower's celebrity status in the present day, together with Norbert, uncover the cultural lineage of the 𝘈𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴, discovering a story ripe with allure and intoxication.
Many thanks to Roos Kocken (@plantwithroos) for her description of the Amorphophallus decus-silvae at Hortus Botanicus Leiden. Editing and sound design by Tobias Withers. Introduction and outro voiced by Johnny Vivash. Soundscape by The God in Hackney. Artwork by Karel Martens. Produced by the Extra Extra team.
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