Rare Titan arum tuber stolen from Göttingen botanical garden

A rare and valuable blooming tuber of the Titan arum, known for its infrequent and striking blooms, has been stolen from the Old Botanical Garden in Göttingen, Germany. The plant, native to Sumatra, Indonesia, is one of the largest flowers in the world and typically blooms only once every few years.

The theft is believed to have occurred between June 14 and June 17, during the public opening hours of the Cycadeenhaus, the greenhouse where the plant was housed. The tuber was reportedly developed enough to bloom in the future, a rare event that usually draws significant public attention.

Police in Göttingen are investigating the theft and have appealed for witnesses. The estimated damage is several hundred euros. This incident is reminiscent of a similar case last year when a 20-30 kilogram Titan arum tuber, nicknamed 'David,' disappeared from the Rombergpark Botanical Garden in Dortmund. That plant has never been recovered.

The Titan arum's infrequent blooming cycle and its distinctive, often unpleasant, odor when flowering make its specimens highly sought after by botanical gardens and enthusiasts alike. The theft highlights the vulnerability of these unique plants and the challenges in protecting them.