FX.co ★ Top 7 most exotic plants in the world

Ballerina orchid (Caladenia melanema)

The ballerina orchid is a small flower belonging to the family Orchidaceae, characterized by long, narrow petals. Plants grow singly or in groups. The flowering period of the ballerina orchid is about two weeks, and its distribution area is a small region in southwestern Australia. It is worth noting that this flower is on the verge of extinction.

Black bat flower (Tacca chantrieri)

Tacca chantrieri is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China. It is one of the unique species of flowering plants in the yam family Dioscoreaceae. Tacca chantrieri grows in forests and valleys. The plant is characterized by unusual black flowers, that are somewhat bat-shaped

Emerald vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys)

Strongylodon macrobotrys is a unique jade flower that is considered one of the most unusual plants in the world. Scientists define it as a species of leguminous perennial liana (woody vine). Strongylodon macrobotrys is found in tropical forests in the Hawaiian and Philippine Islands. The incredibly beautiful inflorescences of this plant, whose length can reach 20 meters, begin to glow with the onset of darkness. Many tourists come to admire this natural wonder. However, these unique plants are on the verge of extinction and are included in the global list of flowers that need protection.

Etlingera

Etlingera, or flowering ginger, is a genus of Indo-Pacific herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, which got its name in honor of the German botanist and physician Ernest Etlinger. Other names for this amazing plant are «Torch Ginger» and «Torch Lily». Locals also call Etlingera porcelain rose and Philippine waxflower, since this plant is native to Southeast Asia, as well as warm countries near the equator. Etlingera forms numerous clusters of vertically growing stems, with large, elongated, dense leaves. The plant blooms in the warm season, delighting the eye with large showy flowers of red, pink and white colors.

Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum)

Amorphophallus titanum is endemic to rainforests on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, South Africa, Vietnam, India and Madagascar. The titan arum's inflorescence can reach about 2.5 meters in height and 75 kilograms in weight. Other names for the plant are «Snake Palm» and «Voodoo Lily». The life expectancy of amorphophallus titanic is about 40 years, but during this time it blooms only 3 times. The underground part of the giant plant is a tuber weighing up to 50 kilograms. Amorphophallus titanium is actively used in cooking, mainly in Japan. Its tubers are used to make flour for homemade pasta. Nutritionists believe that such dishes can eliminate allergies and promote weight loss.

Large duck orchid (Caleana major)

The large duck orchid is a small, intricately shaped plant that grows in the eastern and southern regions of Australia. This plant is characterized by an amazing-looking flower that resembles a flying duck. The flower is an attractant to insects, such as male sawflies which pollinate the flower in a process known as pseudocopulation.

Heliconia

Heliconia is an American «relative» of the African strelitzia and cultivated banana, native to the rainforests of South America and the mountainous coasts of Southeast Asia. Due to the unique shape of the flowers, heliconia is called «lobster claw» or «parrot flower», which emphasizes the variegation of its colors. Many tourists come to admire the heliconia's garlands of brilliant purple flowers that look like purple-red blades. Currently in the world there are 230 species and many hybrids of this amazing plant.