A rare corpse flower, known scientifically as amorphophallus titanium, bloomed in Canberra’s Australian National Botanic Gardens for the first time in 15 years, following similar blooms in Sydney and Geelong. This putrid-smelling flower, native to Indonesia, only blooms every 7 to 10 years and attracts pollinators with its foul odor. Despite differing climates and management practices, these unexpected blooms have puzzled experts, with Canberra’s acting nursery manager surprised by the plant thriving in snowy conditions.
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French aircraft carrier stages combat drills with Filipinos in disputed sea
France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and accompanying warships visited the Philippines after conducting combat drills in the South China Sea, showcasing their firepower in a move likely to provoke China. The Charles de Gaulle engaged in exercises with Filipino forces, including anti-submarine warfare drills and aerial combat training, emphasizing regional security cooperation. The deployment highlights France's commitment to maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and comes amid tensions in the disputed waters, where China has raised concerns...
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