Der Spiegel magazine reported that unknown individuals stole the tuber of the rare “Amorphophallus titanum” plant, also known as the “Corpse Flower,” from a botanical garden in Dortmund, Germany.

The management of “Romberg Park” botanical garden in Dortmund said the stolen tuber, named “David,” weighs between 20 and 30 kilograms. They noted that this plant species blooms once every few years and emits a foul odor resembling the smell of decaying flesh to attract insects searching for decomposing corpses to lay their eggs.

The plant had become a famous symbol of the garden after attracting over five thousand visitors during one of its previous blooming periods to witness this unique natural event.

The garden management described the theft as a significant loss for the botanical garden and its scientific and educational efforts, noting that the plant required specialized care and precise conditions to survive. They added in a statement: “We hope the thieves regret their action and return the plant ‘David’ to its place, as caring for it is not easy.”

The “Amorphophallus titanum” is one of the rarest plants in the world due to the difficulty of pollination. It is not easy to find or see it blooming in its native rainforests. It is known for its exceptional size and one of the largest flowers on Earth, with a diameter reaching one meter and a weight of 11 kg. It emits the smell of rotting meat, which is why locals call it the “Corpse Flower.”

This incident is a painful blow to the scientific community and rare plant enthusiasts, as there are fears the plant will quickly die outside its suitable environment, depriving visitors of the chance to see one of the most remarkable botanical phenomena in the world.