A rare titan arum, commonly known as the corpse flower, has begun its infrequent bloom this week at Boston’s Arnold Arboretum, a Harvard institution. This unique event provides locals with a limited opportunity to witness the rare bloom.
The corpse flower, which blooms once every seven to twelve years and emits a scent resembling rotting meat, only blooms for a few days. The Arnold Arboretum announced on Sunday that the bloom had started. However, in-person viewing is restricted to Arnold members with a reservation. For the general public, the arboretum is live-streaming the event on YouTube.
Scientists have identified that the plant’s strong odor results from a mix of chemicals that produce pungent smells, such as rotting cabbage, onions, garlic, spoiled fish, and sweaty gym socks, according to the arboretum.
The arboretum has at least two corpse flowers. This blooming plant is named Dame Judi Stench, and the other is called Pepe le Pew.
“The titan arums we grow are part of a global conservation effort for a threatened species—but they are also truly magnificent organisms that manage one of the most audacious and spectacular feats of the botanical world. We hope that by connecting people to remarkable plants like this titan arum, they come away with a better idea of why all biodiversity is valuable and worth protecting,” said William Friedman, director of the Arnold Arboretum.
Corpse flower blooms are popular events in the botanical community, drawing significant attention. This marks the first bloom of a corpse flower at the Arnold Arboretum.
Native to Sumatra, Indonesia, the titan arum can grow up to eight feet tall. While its odor may repel humans, it attracts carrion-feeding beetles that help pollinate the plant.