Thermogenesis in Amorphophallus koratensis (Araceae)

Luke J.K. Barnett

 

ABSTRACT

The genus Amorphophallus is diverse and characterized by distinctive morphology such as multicolored inflorescence with various patterns and a unique leaf form. Amorphophallus koratensis, primarily distributed in Thailand, is one such species. Last year, research by Claudel et al. (2023) showed that many species in this genus are thermogenic. However, A. koratensis had not been previously investigated in this regard. Therefore, this study examines thermogenesis in A. koratensis and observation on floral changes. Results show that temperatures increased in the appendix reached 10.3°C, in the staminate flower reached 4.5°C above ambient temperature. Three key observations were made: (1) color changes in the appendix and inner spathe wall, (2) enlargement of the appendix and (3) liquid observed on the inner spathe wall. Comparing the thermogenesis graph from this study with that of A. opertus and A. paeoniifolius, two close relatives of A. koratensis investigated in Claudel et al. (2023), a notable difference was observed in the number and timing of peaks. This research contributes to the ongoing exploration of thermogenesis within the genus.

 

KEYWORD

Amorphophallus, Amorphophallus koratensis, Thermogenesis