When you read about the following rare plants, you may wonder if the plant collectors that found them had to travel to alien planets to find them! The plants are indeed from the planet earth but most of them are found in very specific environments where most of us will never go, such as rain forests all over the world. Elite plant collectors with many years of experience search the most untraveled areas of the world to bring us news of never before seen exotic plants that are in danger of disappearing, usually due to habitat destruction. I have great respect for plant collectors—without them, we would never even get a glimpse of these bizarre and fascinating plants.Corpse PlantWhen I hear the word flower, my first thought is of something pretty that smells good—but this one is weird looking and smells like a rotting corpse. The petals of this flower are leathery and orange- red with bumpy, ivory colored spots surrounding a large hollow center disc. The corpse flower, which is the largest single flower in the world, is a parasite of woody vines on the islands of Indonesia. It has no leaves or stems and just bursts out of the host vine like some alien monster. These plants are endangered because of habitat destruction and overharvesting.Ghost OrchidGhost orchids are leafless epiphytes native to Florida and Cuba which photosynthesize through their roots. When they bloom it looks like they are floating in the air—that and their rarity is why seeing one is like seeing a ghost. The 5 inch odd flowers are white or whitish- green and can go years without ever appearing on the plant. Usually when they do bloom, there are only two blooms. They are not easily propagated and usually don't survive if taken from the wild—they were thought to be extinct for 12 years and only a few exist in the wild.Green Jade FlowerThis plant sports cascading clusters of claw shaped blue-green flowers. It is native to the rain forests of the Philippines and is endangered in the wild due to habitat destruction. It is pollinated by bats and it is quite comical to see the bats hanging upside down to feed from this beauty. Surprisingly, it is in the bean family and produces odd looking bean pods. I don't know about you, but this is the most beautiful bean plant I've ever seen!Cape SundewThe cape sundew features strap like leaves which are yellowish green in color and covered with red, glistening tentacles and pink flowers. This plant seems too small and delicate to hurt even a fly—but that is exactly what it does. It is a carnivorous plant that captures and digests bugs by the mucilaginous glands which create the sticky “dew†of the plant. When an insect lands on a leaf, the leaf curls around it. Many types of sundews all over the world are endangered due to habitat destruction; however, you can grow the cape sundew in captivity. I have grown them since I was a kid and they are fascinating to watch when they catch prey.Black Bat FlowerHere is another rare flower that appears to have fallen from outer space. The large purplish-black flowers look like bats and have long tendrils, or whiskers, that can reach two feet long! They are native to the rain forests of Southeast Asia and are threatened by habitat destruction and their fussy environmental needs. Even though this plant is endangered in the wild, it is commonly for sale online and you can try your hand at growing it. I have grown it in my greenhouse and I can attest to its fussiness, but it is very rewarding when it blooms for you.Pink Lady's SlipperThe pink lady's slipper is a delicate wildflower from the orchid family. Its pink pouch bears some resemblance to a slipper, hence the flower's name. This dainty beauty grows in shade under certain trees such as pines and oaks. Lady's slippers are endangered in some areas because the seeds grow very slowly and are dependent on a fungus for food; unlike most seeds, they do not contain their own food. They are also overharvested by people.Titan ArumThe titan arum spends most of its time as a dormant tuber underground which intermittently puts up a single leaf. Rarely, instead of a leaf it puts up a flower, and what a flower—this plant boasts the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world reaching up to ten feet tall, and smelling like rotten meat. The inflorescence is sword shaped surrounded by a maroon frilled skirt like structure. Titan arums are only rarely found in the rain forests of Sumatra and threatened by habitat destruction.Monkey Face OrchidThe first time I saw pictures of this small yellowish- orange orchid with its tiny monkey face, I didn't think it was real—I thought it was photo shopped. The monkey face peaks out from what appear to be three petals each ending in a long slender spur. Adding to the flowers charm is its scent which is like that of an orange. These orchids only grow in the cloud forests of Ecuador, Peru, and Columbia, although some collectors have grown it in captivity.To find out more about rare and endangered plants, please visit these links:
The February Birth Flowers: Violet and Primrose February, the month of love and new beginnings, is celebrated with two enchanting birth flowers: the violet and the primrose. Each bloom carries...
Valentine's Day is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection to those special people in our lives. One of the most popular ways to convey these feelings is through...
Valentine's Day is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection to those closest to us. One of the most popular ways to do so is by giving flowers. But...
Valentine's Day is a special occasion to express love and appreciation, often with the gift of beautiful flowers. To ensure that your thoughtful gesture lasts as long as possible, it's...
Roses have long been the quintessential symbol of love, making them the most popular choice for Valentine's Day. Their deep association with romance can be traced back to Greek and...
Winter flowers hold a special kind of beauty, thriving in the coldest months and reminding us of resilience and hope. Each bloom carries a unique symbolism, offering meaningful ways to...
The month of January is beautifully represented by two distinct and meaningful flowers: the carnation and the snowdrop. These blooms, each with their unique charm, symbolize the hope and resilience...
Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest holidays for florists, making timing crucial for securing the perfect bouquet. The ideal time to order your Valentine’s Day flowers is two to...
As the frosty season embraces 2025, florists and flower enthusiasts alike are turning to fresh and innovative trends to brighten up the chilly months. One standout trend this year is...
Poinsettias, with their vibrant red and green foliage, are a cherished symbol of the holiday season. Native to Mexico, these striking plants have a rich history rooted in both cultural...
Making your Christmas tree last longer is a top priority for many families during the festive season. To start, it’s essential to select a healthy tree. Look for vibrant green...
Debunking Common Myths About Christmas Christmas is a beloved holiday steeped in traditions and stories passed down for generations. While many of these tales add to the holiday’s charm, some...