Atlantic Giant Pumpkin flower vs. Rafflesia

Steven Klitzing (stevek@informix.com)
Fri, 4 Aug 1995 15:47:59 -0700

>A Rafflesia flower measures more than a meter across. Are the
>_flowers_of the Atlantic Giant Pumpkin that large?

Perry:

FYI...

The flowers of the Atlantic Giant Pumpkin measure 8 inches to 1
foot across, but when placed into a very large steam press,
they can measure over 6 feet in diameter. Much larger than
Rafflesia. The fruit they produce is also much larger than
a Rafflesia flower, which has lots of tiny fruits instead of
one big one. So, Atlantic Giant Pumpkins beat out Rafflesia
in two categories. Also, you can't roll a Rafflesia across
a field or carve it into a jackolantern for Halloween. Again,
the Rafflesia is horribly inferior in this respect. And, Atlantic
Giant Pumpkin is a true plant, unlike Rafflesia which is a
mere parasite. I would like to see you try to tape a Rafflesia
to the ceiling at Christmas time and see who wants to get kissed
underneath a foul smelling mistletoe cousin. And, if it falls,
who will be liable for the injuries to guests? I'd much rather grow
an Atlantic Giant Pumpkin in my yard, as it does not require a vine
to grow on and can grow in temperate regions. Again, very superior
to Rafflesia. To see a Rafflesia, you must go to Borneo (or one of
those islands). To see an Atlantic Giant Pumpkin, you can send away
for the seeds and have it in your back yard in less than 4 months.
Clearly a much more rewarding experience. Now you can understand
the flawless logic of my earlier posting.

---Steve