I was in Alabang Town Center waiting to be picked up by a friend when I spotted something interesting behind the neighborhood Mc Do outlet. It was a
kalumpang tree or
Sterculia foetida in bloom. I immediately got curious to check out if indeed the flowers are disgustingly foul-s
melling. But at that moment the red inflorescence seemed harmless, not emitting anything malodorous. I was wondering if I was smelling them at the wrong time of the day. People who have smelled them before describes the scent as overpowering, similar to animal excretion. Somehow I was relieved that I did not get to experience the menacing kalumpang reputation, but was disappointed not to confirm if it was indeed true.
I was in Alabang Town Center waiting to be picked up by a friend when I spotted something interesting behind the neighborhood Mc Do outlet. It was a kalumpang tree or Sterculia foetida in bloom. I immediately got curious to check out if indeed the flowers are disgustingly foul-s
melling. But at that moment the red inflorescence seemed harmless, not emitting anything malodorous. I was wondering if I was smelling them at the wrong time of the day. People who have smelled them before describes the scent as overpowering, similar to animal excretion. Somehow I was relieved that I did not get to experience the menacing kalumpang reputation, but was disappointed not to confirm if it was indeed true. 
4 comments:
They smell like the inside of an automotive tire store. Sort of like burnt rubber. There are several in my neighborhood. When the wind is right it's unmistakable. Even if not on the wind, if you pick up a fallen flower and sniff it, the smell is there. There's a sweetness at the top of the aroma, and then the darker burnt rubber smell.
hi, does anyone know where i can find Sterculia foetida tree? i am conducting my thesis about the plant and i need its bark. thanks for the help :)
There is one of this trees in Makati just across Washington Sycip Park Along Gamboa St. Been looking for its ID, thanks for featuring it.
Your website is very beautiful or Articles. I love it thank you for sharing for everyone. Flowers to Philippines
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