As of 2010, there are 315,000 different species of plants out of which majority is the basis of the earth’s ecology. Our world is covered with different types of plants, some are beautiful and some are giant and dangerous. Some of these are also known as killer and carnivorous plants. Over millions of years, plants have adapted and developed dangerous looks. Most of you might have never seen or even heard about them. The following list contains top 10 extremely giant plants. Have a look…
Table of Contents
10. Dracunculus Vulgaris
Photo credit: Wikimedia
Due to its shape, Dracunculus Vulgaris is also known as Voodoo Lily or Black Dragon. This species is recognized by the large purple spathe and spadix, a part of the plant. It grows on humus rich and well-drained soil and mostly found in the Northern Europe and North America. It is also known for its big flower which smells like rotten eggs to keep away grazers.
9. Amorphophallus Titanum
Photo credit: Flickr
Amorphophallus Titanum is also known as the titan arum, is the world’s largest unbranched inflorescence flowering plant. The titan arum flower can reach over 3 meters in height and found in Western Sumatra. They generally require around 10 years to grow completely. The spathe begins to open after mid-afternoon and releases a powerful odor to attract pollinators. The record height of titan arum is 3.1 meters which was measured by the Guinness World Record team.
8. Giant Saguaro
Photo credit: Wikimedia
The Saguaro is a tree like cactus species which can grow more than 20 meters. It is native to the deserts of Arizona and some areas of California. They look like a normal tree and have branches but some saguaro doesn’t have any arms, known as a spear. Its ruby red color fruits and can be eaten by local people in the month of June. Now in some places they are used for climbing due to their long height.
7. Giant Granadilla
Photo credit: Wikimedia
The Giant Granadilla produces the world’s largest fruit within its genus classification. It grows over 50 feet in height and found in Central and South America. Its fruits are used in local drinks and unripe fruits are eaten as vegetable. Its leaves are also used in making tea which is highly recommended for high blood pressure and diabetic patients. The fruit juice is used in beverage and ice cream.
6. Giant Water Lily
Photo credit: Wikimedia
Victoria is a categorization of water lilies whose leaves are up to 3 meters in diameter. Its leaves are considered as one of the world’s largest leaves. The genus name, Victoria was given in honor of Queen Victoria of United Kingdom. Basically, it is native to the Amazon River basin. Its flower is 40 cm in diameter and they are white at the time of opening and turns to pink on the very next day. Few giant water lilies in the Amazon can even support the weight of an adult.
5. Rafflesia Plant
Photo credit: Wikimedia
Rafflesia is a wild flowering plant which found all over the Southeastern Asia. It was named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and was found by an Indonesian guide in 1818. The genus has 28 species and some species’ flower may grow over 100 cm in diameter and weigh a maximum up to 10 kg. The plant has no stems, roots and leaves. Now it is the official state flower of Indonesia, a state in Malaysia and Surat Thani Province, Thailand.
4. Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus Giganteus)
Photo credit: Wikimedia
Dendrocalamus is a genus of giant tropical bamboo. This genus has 29 species and mostly found in the China and Southeast Asia. Dendrocalamus Giganteus is one of the tallest bamboo species with the height of more than 46 meters. They are high yielding bamboos and can be used in many things such as construction, water pipes, paper production, furniture and many more.
3. Giant Pitcher Plant
Photo credit: Wikimedia
Giant Pitcher Plant or Nepenthes is a plant species of insectivorous plant. In 2012, this plant appeared in the list of the world’s 100 most threatened species. They are found on the top of Mount Victoria, Philippines. The bell like flower can grow up to 80 cm in length. The flower is open and filled with liquid which attracts insects and other small organisms and they died of drowning. In 2012, a mouse like species was found dead inside the flower.
2. Coast Redwood
Photo credit: Wikimedia
Coast redwood or California redwood is the sole living plant species. This specie is evergreen and is among the oldest living things on earth with the maximum age of up to 1800 years or more. This species has the tallest living tree on earth with 115.5 meters height. It is one of the most valuable timber species in the Unites States. A study says that around 95% of redwood trees has been cut down due to their use in construction and now the government is trying to regain their population.
1. General Sherman
Photo credit: Wikimedia
The General Sherman belongs to Sequoia species, located in the state of California. This is the largest living tree on earth with a height of 83.8 meters. This plant is more than 31 meters in diameter and the world’s largest 1487 cubic meters of volume. It is also ranked among one of the oldest living tree with the estimated age of 2300 to 2700 years. This plant is actually known as a real extremely giant plant.