As a plant parent, you find inspiration each day through caring for your resilient and fascinating plants. Getting to see nature at work, even within your own home, is truly captivating. But as much as we find our own plants to be a source of inspiration, the world is full of even more rare and unique species of plants. Here we spotlight some of the rarest species of plants around the world.

Corpse Flower Amorphophallus titanum Bloom

1) Corpse Flower

This aptly named large flower emits a distinctly unpleasant odor similar to the scent of rotting flesh. The parasitic blossom exudes this scent in order to lure in meals. In terms of appearance, the corpse flower resembles a large five-petaled red blossom with a yellow central cone.  In addition to its unique appearance and odor, the corpse flower takes roughly 7 years to grow before it first blooms. This unique flower was originally discovered in 1878 and can only be found in rainforests like that of Southeast Asia.

Tahina Palm Suicide Palm Tree Rare Plants

2) Tahina Palm

Originally discovered in 2005 by a farmer in Madagascar, the Tahina Palm is extremely rare with only around 90 in the entire world. It is unique because it lives for roughly 50 years then produces an enormous amount of inflorescence. Then, shortly after blooming, the Tahina Palm dies. It’s quite a towering plant as well, it reaches up to 18 meters in height and its leaves stretch 15 meters across.

Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant Mountain

3) Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant

Although Pitcher Plants are a trendy household plant, Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant (​​​​Nepenthes Attenboroughii) is extremely rare, only found on the summit of Mt. Victoria in the Philippines. It’s found nowhere else in the world and there are believed to be only a few hundred in existence, but the rough terrain of Mt. Victoria has prevented experts from obtaining a proper count. Named after famed naturalist Sir David Attenborough, this species of Pitcher Plant was discovered in 2007. The plant is characterized by its bell-shaped pitchers which some experts claim are large enough to trap rats.

Rothschild's Slipper Orchid Flower

4) Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid

Even if you ever got your hands on a Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid, odds are you’ll have a bit of a wait to see it bloom. This rare orchid grows for 15 years before blooming and it’s so rare that it has been known to sell for $5,000 per blossom. In appearance, the Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid contains up to 6 large flowers with red and green spotted petals. If you want to attempt to spot one of its blooms, your best chance is in Borneo on Mt. Kinabalu. This orchid only grows at high elevations so you’ll likely be able to spot one somewhere between 1,600 and 4,000 feet.

Discover the World of Inspiration, and uncover the wonder of the dragon’s blood tree, the world’s largest underwater cave, and collage art.