...for the ones interested in superlatives

[Finn N. Rasmussen]

Holger Kreft, Bonn wrote:

<snip>   "for the ones of you interested in superlatives: In the Botanical
Garden of Bonn (Germany) we expect the largest inflorescence (273 cm!) of a
Amorphophallus ever recorded to open within the next one or two days.
You will find more information and a LIVE WEB CAM under:
http://www.botanik.uni-bonn.de/botgart/amorpho2003e.html " <endsnip>

But at the website you will see this:

<snip>
Giant Flower - The Titan Arum is expected to flower in the University
Botanic Gardens Bonn at the end of May.
The Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum) produces the world's largest flower
and is currently in bud at the University Botanic Gardens Bonn (Germany).
<endsnip>

Isn't it saddening that an official natural history institution just gives
up explaining things that may be a little complicated? Or is it just an
irresistible temptation to boast about growing "the worlds largest flower"?
In my opinion, professional naturalist have an obligation to inform the
public that things sometimes are not are what they look like. Go tell people
that shooting stars aren't really stars, the banana plant is no palm, the
slow-worm is neither a worm nor a snake, flying dogs don't say bow-wow and
the very large sardines you hunt with cannons are actually mammals.
 - Finn Rasmussen, Botanical Institute, Copenhagen.