Community Corner

Rare, Smelly Titan Arum Flower Ready to Bloom

The U.S. Botanic Garden's "corpse flower" will bloom soon — see live video, viewing hours, bloom estimates and more.

by Shaun Courtney 

While the rest of the world waits with bated breath for the arrival of the Royal baby, rare plant enthusiasts in DC and beyond are waiting (with nose plugs) for the blooming of the U.S. Botanic Garden's Titan Arum. 

The rare plant, also known as the corpse flower, blooms for just 24 to 48 hours and sometimes does not bloom again for several years or even a few decades, according to the U.S. Botanic Garden's website.

In anticipation of the crowds of people coming to experience the odorous plant. The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory will have extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. Admission is free. 

Native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, Titan Arum gives off a rancid scent during bloom to attract pollinators. 

According to the U.S. Botanic Garden's website:

"The odor is often compared to the stench of rotting flesh. The inflorescence also generates heat, which allows the stench to travel further. This combination of heat and smell efficiently attracts pollinators, such as dung and carrion beetles, from across long distances."

The gardener charged with the care of this unusual plant, Elliott Norman, told The Washington Post that the plant gives off a scent “like a very dead elephant."

The garden first received this particular Titan Arum in 2007. Since its arrival when it was the size of a lima bean, it has grown to way an estimated 250 pounds, according to the U.S. Botanic Garden's website.

Not seeing the live streaming video above? Watch it here

Read more about the Titan Arum here.


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