Residents of Geelong, Victoria, are experiencing the excitement and anticipation surrounding the blooming of the rare corpse flower, known scientifically as Amorphophallus titanum. This unusual plant, which emits the distinctive odor of decaying flesh, has officially begun its bloom at the Geelong Botanic Gardens, creating quite a buzz within the community and beyond.
The corpse flower is notorious for its unpredictable blooming schedule, flowering only once every seven to ten years. When it does decide to bloom, it only lasts between 24 to 48 hours. This unique event attracts not just local flower enthusiasts but also curious visitors from far and wide, eager to witness this rare phenomenon.
Interestingly, the corpse flower’s characteristic repugnant scent serves a very specific purpose—it lures pollinators, predominantly carrion beetles and flies, which are attracted to decay. This strategy is key to the plant’s reproductive process. The current blooming at the Geelong Botanic Gardens marks the first time this plant has flowered there, so the excitement in the air is palpable.
City of Greater Geelong’s chief executive, Ali Wastie, emphasized how special this event is, describing it as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” She stated, “The endangered titan arum is the largest species of carrion flower, and its preservation is important as the wild population is in decline.” Wastie encouraged everyone to visit the gardens and witness this extraordinary occurrence, noting the interest shown by thousands of residents leading up to the bloom.
The plant opened its flowers on Monday morning, launching its fetid fragrance, which is said to resemble a mix of dead animals and pungent cheeses. According to horticultural curator Matt Coulter, the scent can be described as “dead rat, dead possum” mixed with “rotten cheese and fermenting cabbage.”
Contrary to its frightening reputation, many visitors have reported the smell to be less severe than anticipated. This realization has drawn even more attendees, many of whom are livestreaming the experience from the comfort of their homes. The Geelong Botanic Gardens has taken measures to accommodate the increased foot traffic; the gardens will be open for 24 hours during the flowering period.
So just how long will this spectacle last? The corpse flower at Geelong is expected to reach peak bloom within about four hours of its initial opening. After its brief moment at the forefront, the flower will wither and retreat underground, where it will remain dormant for another decade. Those unable to experience the bloom firsthand can follow the event on the City of Greater Geelong’s livestream, which has already garnered immense online interest, netting thousands of views.
The build-up to this event has seen record numbers visiting the gardens, with one recent Saturday welcoming about 600 visitors. The eagerness of the community to witness the bloom firsthand demonstrates the enduring allure of this botanical oddity.
For horticulture enthusiasts, the preparation of the corpse flower is nothing short of fascinating. Over years, it builds energy through its corm—a bulbous root structure with the potential to weigh as much as 150 kilograms, depending on the plant's maturity. Geelong’s version, still young, tips the scales only at 10 kilograms. This large reserve of stored energy is then drawn upon to produce the immense flower, which is tightly wrapped until it is ripe for blooming.
Once the flower unfurls, it reveals hundreds of tiny flowers surrounding the spadix—an elongated extension at the center of the plant. The heat generated by the spadix is instrumental, as it helps to release the smell of the flower, drawing nearby insects to engage with the male and female parts of the flower—a process they would normally engage with if they were encountering actual decomposing materials.
One intriguing aspect of the corpse flower's genitalia is its two-step pollination method. The flowers are structured so the female flowers only accept pollen for 24 hours at the onset of blooming, followed by the male flowers, which can take over from there. This strategic approach minimizes the chances of self-pollination, ensuring genetic diversity.
Interestingly, this fascinating plant species is native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra and Java, where it is listed as endangered due to habitat loss, mainly caused by palm oil cultivation and illegal poaching. The move to cultivate such specimens outside their native environment often serves as both conservation effort and educational opportunity, allowing more individuals to learn about these unique plants.
The Geelong Botanic Gardens’ recent blooming event of the corpse flower draws attention not only to the flower itself but also to the broader environmental issues surrounding endangered species and preservation efforts. Community leaders and garden curators alike stress the importance of raising awareness about these plants and their ecosystems.
For those who can’t make it to the event, it’s not too late to catch the excitement online. The live stream can be accessed through the City of Greater Geelong’s YouTube channel, allowing viewers to enjoy the spectacle virtually. Regardless of how one engages with the experience, the rare blooming of the corpse flower at Geelong’s Botanic Gardens is shaping up to be truly memorable.