Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden has become the city’s must-visit spot thanks to a unique—and stinky—event. The infamous “corpse flower,” officially called Amorphophallus titanum, is in full bloom for the first time in 15 years. The enormous flower is notorious for its overwhelming stench, often described as rotting flesh, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of curious visitors from lining up to witness it. The garden staff even gave the flower a fitting nickname: “Putricia.”
Lines Around the Block
Because the corpse flower only blooms for about 24 to 48 hours, excitement has been through the roof. The garden extended its hours until midnight to handle the flood of visitors. Some waited up to three hours for a chance to get up close and personal with the massive plant, which boasts deep crimson petals and a central stalk that can grow up to three meters tall.
Why Does It Smell So Bad?
Believe it or not, the flower’s awful smell serves a purpose. In its native Indonesian rainforests, the scent attracts flies and beetles that are drawn to the smell of decaying flesh. These insects help pollinate the flower, ensuring its survival. While the odor might be unbearable for humans, it’s an ingenious strategy in nature.
It’s Worth the Wait
Despite the smell, visitors are loving the experience. Some described the odor as “hot garbage” or “a dead animal,” but they were still captivated. “It’s gross, but you can’t look away,” said one attendee. “It’s rare, it’s huge, and it’s just fascinating!”
Connecting with a Worldwide Audience
You weren’t doomed if you couldn’t make it to the garden. Online live streaming of the bloom attracted almost a million viewers worldwide. Despite its unpleasant odor, “Putricia” is unquestionably the main attraction and evidence that even the most bizarre aspects of nature can unite people.
