Thread: On the Origin of Species: Gloom and Vileplume: Investigating the inspirations behind

On the Origin of Species: Gloom and Vileplume: Investigating the inspirations behind Pokémon

In another column exploring the likely cultural and zoological origins of Pokémon species, we take a look at Gloom and Vileplume.

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At last! Another "On the Origin of Species" article! Anyway, the Raffelsia is indeed a really strange flower, since it isn't really one. I live in South East Asia, so that's why I am familiar with them.

By the way, George, what happened last week that required you to postpone the article?

Great article.

And who among us can honestly say that they wouldn't want a corpse flower in their garden?

Hmm... Maybe it's just me, then.

lol, great ending. ^^

Good article as always, George....although you should have mentioned the fact that while the Raffelsia dosnt have Chlorophyll, Gloom and Vileploom do: they have the ability of the same name, and Synthesis.

Unless you did mention it and I just didnt notice.

Wow, Vileplume really looks like that flower.

Great article.

I've always known about this flower, and I loved that two cool Pokemon are based on it.

I want a corpse flower in my garden. It'll go nicely with the pitcher plants and venus fly traps.

Somewhere in the world, a fly just fainted.

Never really cared too much for the Oddish line but a great article.

The flower on Venusaur's back also looks like a Rafflessia.

Oh Vileplume, I remember last year when I studied you in my science textbook. Almost had a heartatack when I saw your giant flower.

Wow, I had never heard of this flower... quite odd...

Now, the question on everyone's mind... how does Bellossom tie into this?

Originally Posted by Gordon

Now, the question on everyone's mind... how does Bellossom tie into this?

I'm pretty sure it doesn't.

Well I was just wondering what it was based on... since it evolves with a stone from the sun (implying photosynthesis...) rather than a leaf stone (which can relate to it's parasitic nature of sucking the life out of leaves).

Though with it being unrelated to Oddish, I am not surprised if it's also unrelated to Bellossom. Just thought I'd throw my inquiries out there.

I'm pretty sure that the descision to make it an alternate evolution to Gloom was made after Belossom was fully designed. Thats what I think.

Another great article. Rafflesias are indeed very intriguing. And I've always liked Gloom and Vileplume's design. It's really a shame that they're threatened.

Maybe you could do Bellossom next?

Cool Flower. I want one