The Pelican Flower

Aristolochia grandiflora - or Pelican Flower - is a herbaceous vine with heart-shaped leaves that is native to the Caribbean. It is commonly known as the Pelican Flower because its unopened bud resembles a sleeping pelican.
The flower buds open early in the morning and the flowers only last for roughly 12 hours. They emit a foul smell and attract flies which are their natural pollinators. The opened flower has a brownish-purple background that is covered with a complicated network of white veins which radiate outwards from the central, intensely dark purple throat towards the edge of the lobe.

Click on the above photo for high-res imageFrontal view of the spectacular, foul smelling flower. Heart-shaped, about a foot long and 8 inches wide. As added adornment, a foot-long, slender tail hangs from the flower.

Click on the above photo for high-res imageThe name "Pelican flower" was given to Aristolochia grandiflora because its unopened bud resembles a sleeping pelican.

Click on the above photo for high-res imageWhen the flower opens it emits a somewhat foul odor. The flies, attracted to the smell of the open bloom, alight on the inner walls of the flower, which then closes, trapping the flies inside until the male flower has matured.

Click on the above photo for high-res imageA close-up view of the bloom showing a pollinating fly inside the open flower.

Click on the above photo for high-res imageThe high climbing plant with heart-shaped leaves up to 10 in. (25.4 cm) long.