Meet Uncle Fester: Vancouver's stinky corpse flower gets an official new name

Vancouver’s giant, stinky corpse flower is about to bloom any day now and to celebrate, it has been given a new name.

After an online voting session, Vancouverites have chosen to name the plant Uncle Fester — who is also a famous character from The Adams Family.

The people have spoken! Henceforth #BloedelCorpseFlower shall be known as “Uncle Fester”. Thank you for voting one and all! #vancouver #titanarum pic.twitter.com/uquXAUMdMM

— Bloedel Conservatory (@BloedelConserv) July 12, 2018

Fester’s scientific name is Amorphophallus titanum and it is one of the largest flowers on the planet.

“When it blooms, it unleashes the smell of rotting flesh. Some have also described its unmistakable scent as similar to discarded diapers or hot garbage,” reads a release by the Vancouver Park Board.

According to updates from the Bloedel Conservatory, Uncle Fester’s petals are ready to open up very soon.

Waiting with bated breath for Uncle Fester to open up – we feel like excited/nervous expectant parents! #bloedelcorpseflower #vancouver #titanarum #ithasntbloomedyet pic.twitter.com/OKR8VA1Emq

— Bloedel Conservatory (@BloedelConserv) July 13, 2018

Horticulturalists with the Park Board noticed an 11-inch spongy flower bud on June 21, and by June 29 the same bud was 28 inches tall.

The Vancouver Park Board acquired the stinky plant back in 2016 and this will be the first time the corpse flower will bloom in BC.

The Bloedel Conservatory will extend its hours for this smelly experience as the blooming will last only 24 to 48 hours.

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