The Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, Australia, recently witnessed a rare and captivating event: the blooming of Putricia, a corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum). Thousands flocked to the garden, and hundreds of thousands more tuned in via livestream to witness this unusual spectacle. This marked the fifth documented bloom of a corpse flower at the garden, and the first since 2010.
The corpse flower, native to the Sumatran rainforests, earns its name from the pungent odor it emits during its brief bloom, which lasts only about 24 hours. This smell, often described as similar to rotting flesh, is a crucial part of the plant’s survival strategy. It attracts pollinators such as carrion beetles and flies that are naturally drawn to the scent of decay. While the predominant scent is of decaying flesh, some observers also report notes of dirty socks or even hot cat food.
The anticipation for Putricia’s bloom began in late December when researchers at the Royal Botanic Garden first observed signs of its impending arrival. By mid-January, a dedicated display was created in preparation for the flower’s grand, albeit smelly, debut. While other plants also produce similar foul odors, the corpse flower’s size adds to its allure. A mature corpse flower in bloom can reach a towering height of up to nine feet.
“The combination of its immense size, the extended time it takes to bloom, and the incredibly foul odor truly captivates people,” explained Brett Summerell, chief scientist at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, in an interview with Reuters. Putricia’s time in the spotlight concluded on Friday evening in Sydney.
While a rare occurrence, witnessing a corpse flower bloom is not a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These plants typically bloom every few years, and various botanical gardens around the world cultivate them. The U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington D.C. had two Amorphophallus titanum blooms in 2024. Coincidentally, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City recently announced the upcoming bloom of Amorphophallus gigas, a related and even rarer species of corpse flower.
This series of blooms highlights the continued fascination with these unusual plants and provides opportunities for both scientists and the public to learn more about these botanical wonders. The unique characteristics of the corpse flower, from its massive size to its infamous odor, ensure that its bloom remains a captivating event for all who have the chance to experience it.
