Egídio invites us to show our interpretation of Over the Top – images of things that are beyond the bound of what is expected, usual, normal or appropriate. My photo collection is crammed full of normal, usual, and expected images, however, there is one photo-shoot I did in 2019 on the campus of Washington State University, Vancouver that qualifies! Professor Emeritus Steve Sylvester planted a titan arum seed in 2002, cultivated it on his desk and then moved it to a stairwell planter in the Science and Engineering Building. After 17 years, Big Bucky finally bloomed.

What you may ask is “over the top” about this blossom? To start with, it is over 4 ft (1.22 m) in height.

In addition, the blooms of Amorphophallus titanum give off a powerful scent of rotting flesh which attracts pollinators. As a consequence, it is characterized as a carrion flower, earning it the names corpse flower or corpse plant.

Learning that there was a blooming corpse flower on the campus two miles from my home, got me out with my Panasonic. I didn’t notice any offending smell while I was there, however I’m not a pollinator attracted to carrion!

Thanks to Egídio for giving me the perfect opportunity to show this over the top plant! To see his stunning examples of over the top places and things go here.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾