Rare Corpse Flower's bloom brings thousands to Adelaide Botanic Garden
13 January 2023
The eyes of the world were on the Adelaide Botanic Garden after a rare and endangered Corpse Flower, aka Titan Arum, flowered for the first time in a decade.
Date posted: 01 November 2013
What happens below the surface is just as important as above when it comes to plants. Plant roots have the important job of finding and absorbing nutrients and water for growth and development.
When the barley grain first germinates, the first primary root known as a radical emerges. Shortly after, more primary roots appear, burrowing down in search of nutrients and water. Can you believe these roots can grow to depths of two meters!
As the plant growth continues, a secondary root system develops. The secondary roots, known as adventitious roots, tend to develop in the tillering growth phase (refer to the Zadoks scale) as this phase requires plenty of water and nutrients to ensure the plant produces lots of grains.
In comparison to the primary root system, the secondary roots grow horizontally and tend to creep and sprawl around the top layers of soil. Their job is to soak up any surface water and acquire nutrients like phosphorus which are found more in the upper 10-20 cm of the soil.
Barley’s root growth continues right up until the grains on the plant begin to fill. Once the grains have filled, the roots work is done and they start to die off (barley is an annual plant don’t forget - so it only has a life span of one season).
Dig up a plant in your garden (preferably a weed so your parents won’t mind!). Wash soil away from the roots and measure how far the root system has grown. See if you can tell the plants primary or secondary roots. For some great images and further information view the Barley Growth and Development book.
13 January 2023
The eyes of the world were on the Adelaide Botanic Garden after a rare and endangered Corpse Flower, aka Titan Arum, flowered for the first time in a decade.
06 January 2023
The Titan Arum, or Corpse Flower, is known for its notorious smell - but did you know these plants have a fascinating life up to 10 years prior to the stinky inflorescent bloom?