WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The United States Botanical Garden (USBG) is drawing attention with its rare corpse flowers. But why all the fuss?
First, the bloom of a corpse flower, or Amorphophallus titanum, is not an annual event. These flowers have a powerful odor and only bloom for 2-3 days. The USBG, which includes these plants in its conservation efforts, put two corpse flowers on display starting July 13, 2024, with an expected bloom period around July 19-22. One of the flowers bloomed overnight from July 21 to July 22.
Why are corpse flowers so special? The USBG explains that their size, smell, and brief blooming period make them unique. These plants can grow up to 8 feet tall. The peak bloom, which occurs at night into early morning, emits a stench similar to rotting flesh. This putrid smell, most potent during peak bloom, attracts pollinators like carrion beetles and flies. The inflorescence, or collection of flowers acting as one, generates heat, helping the smell travel further.
The blooming cycle of a corpse flower is unpredictable. It has an underground stem called a “corm,” where energy is stored. The bloom occurs only when enough energy has accumulated, leading to a flowering period that can span from a few years to over a decade.