Can you imagine a flower taller than a human and as smelly as a corpse? That’s the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), known commonly as the “corpse flower” for its scent of rotting flesh. It only blooms every few years for just 24 hours, releasing the stench it is infamous for. In Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, two such flowers bloomed this year, sparking the curiosity of fans of the unusual and drawing thousands of spectators.
The first to bloom was a plant dubbed “Putricia” on Jan. 23. The online craze surrounding this flower spawned acronyms like “WWTF” (We Watch The Flower), “WDNRP” (We Do Not Rush Putricia), and “BBTB” (Blessed Be The Bloom). Thousands of viewers tracked Putricia’s every move in a live stream, sharing memes, theories, and comments filled with amazement and humor. The first bloom in 15 years, Putricia released a smell akin to “wet socks, hot cat food, or rotting possum flesh.”
The second, smaller flower began blooming in the afternoon of Feb. 8. However, its flowering remained out of the public eye. Gardens Chief Scientist Brett Summerell told the media this plant was a “little stinkier” than its sibling, with a “fishy, dead mouse, and dead possum” odor.
Originally from the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, this species is endangered due to deforestation and land degradation. Its spadix emits a powerful scent reminiscent of decomposition to attract pollinating insects, and it can grow over 3 m in height and weigh over 90 kg. Though often called “the world’s smelliest flower,” this species’ rarity and crowd-drawing power make it a true plant celebrity.
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1. Why is the titan arum commonly known as the “corpse flower”?
2. Where did two corpse flowers bloom this year, and what was the public’s reaction?
3. How did the second flower differ from Putricia in terms of public visibility and smell?
4. What is the natural habitat of the titan arum, and why is it endangered?
1. Would you be interested in seeing (or smelling) a blooming corpse flower in person? Why or why not?
2. What does the titan arum’s ability to attract large crowds suggest about the connection between humans and nature?
3. How can botanical gardens play a role in preserving endangered plant species like the titan arum?
4. What are some other plants or natural phenomena that you think deserve more public attention?
Can you imagine a flower taller than a human and as smelly as a corpse? That’s the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), known commonly as the “corpse flower” for its scent of rotting flesh. It only blooms every few years for just 24 hours, releasing the stench it is infamous for. In Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, two such flowers bloomed this year, sparking the curiosity of fans of the unusual and drawing thousands of spectators.
The second, smaller flower began blooming in the afternoon of Feb. 8. However, its flowering remained out of the public eye. Gardens Chief Scientist Brett Summerell told the media this plant was a “little stinkier” than its sibling, with a “fishy, dead mouse, and dead possum” odor.
