Rare 'Corpse Flower' Blooms at Kew Gardens in London
Hundreds of visitors flock to see the titan arum, known for its distinct odor resembling rotting flesh
Quick Look
Hundreds of visitors gathered at London's Kew Gardens to witness the rare blooming of a titan arum, or 'corpse flower.' The plant, which emits a pungent odor to attract pollinators, is expected to remain in bloom for up to 48 hours.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The titan arum is a rare plant known for its infrequent blooming cycle and the powerful, unpleasant odor it releases to attract pollinators.
Hundreds of visitors gathered at Kew Gardens in London to see the rare blooming of the titan arum, often called the “corpse flower” for its strong smell resembling rotting flesh.
The plant, which can take several years to bloom, emits the odour to attract pollinators. This bloom is expected to last up to 48 hours before collapsing.
Visitors described the scent as similar to dog’s breath or spoiled socks, drawing both curiosity and crowds to the conservatory.
“It’s pretty impressive. Much larger than I thought it would be. It doesn’t smell quite as bad, unless you get a waft here and there and it smells a bit like dogs’ breath,” said Joe Frewin, a chemical engineer, speaking to AFP.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The plant will collapse within 48 hours
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- When was the last time this specific plant bloomed?
