A rare bloom with a pungent odor resembling decaying flesh has opened in the Australian capital, marking the nation's third extraordinary flowering in as many months. The corpse flower, scientifically known as amorphophallus titanium, bloomed for the first time in its 15 years at Canberra's Australian National Botanic Gardens over the weekend and was closing on Monday, according to staff.
Another corpse flower briefly bloomed in the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens in late January, drawing 20,000 admirers. Similarly, a rancid bloom was experienced at the Geelong Botanic Gardens southwest of Melbourne in November.
What is a Corpse Flower?
The corpse flower, also called the corpse plant or bunga bangkai in its native Indonesia, is native to the rainforests of western Sumatra. It blooms for only a few days every 7 to 10 years in its natural habitat, with its foul scent attracting pollinators like flies. It is estimated that there are only around 300 of these plants in the wild and fewer than 1,000 including those in cultivation.
Why the Recent Blooms in Australia?
Canberra's acting nursery manager mentioned that there is no definitive explanation for the recent spate of putrid blooms in Australia. One theory suggests that the plants, being of similar age, have stored enough carbohydrates in their corms to produce flowers. The different climates and management practices in Canberra, Sydney, and Geelong are also contributing factors.
Was the Canberra Bloom Expected?
After 15 years without a bloom, it was unexpected for the corpse flower to bloom in Canberra, a location that occasionally experiences snowfall. The flower began opening on Saturday, emitting a strong odor that was likened to dead animals, rotten eggs, and sewage. Despite the unpleasant smell, hundreds of visitors were drawn to witness the rare bloom, which was limited by a ticketing system due to space constraints within the greenhouse.
The pungent odor had subsided by Monday, although up close, the plant still emitted a lingering scent of rotting flesh. The event was a surprise for the staff, who collected pollen from the flower as part of the process.
