Visitors at the Atlanta Botanical Garden witnessed a rare and unforgettable event—a blooming African corpse flower, famous for its pungent odor. This remarkable occurrence, which may not happen again for years, drew attention from both plant enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Derek Pinson, a tropical horticulturist at the garden, explained just how uncommon this event is. “It doesn’t bloom very often; it’s a rare thing,” Pinson said. “We’re not exactly sure what conditions led to the bloom, but it could be a long time before it happens again.”
Scientifically known as Aristolochia goldieana, the corpse flower releases a smell resembling decaying flesh to attract pollinators like flies. According to Pinson, the potent odor only lasts on the first day of the bloom.
Native to Central Africa, this plant thrives in countries like Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, where the climate is hot and humid—conditions essential for its survival.
The corpse flower’s bloom at the garden’s Fuqua Conservatory is the first since 2020. This time, it produced four flowers, which lasted just over a week, giving visitors a brief opportunity to see—and smell—the unique plants.
Julia Jones, one of the visitors, made a quick trip to catch the blooms before they withered. “I was worried they’d die before I got here,” she said. “I knew I couldn’t miss it.”
While the blooms have now faded, the event has sparked renewed interest in the plant world. Pinson hopes that the rare spectacle will inspire more people to explore botany. “Sometimes, something so rare and fascinating is all it takes to make you appreciate the incredible plants around us,” he said.