This giant flower that smells like rotting flesh is about to bloom in Vancouver
Vancouver’s Bloedel Conservatory is about to get stinky because a rare, exotic plant that smells like rotting flesh is about to bloom.
The Amorphophallus titanum—also known as the corpse flower— is one of the largest flowers on the planet and it’s about to unleash its stench in Vancouver very soon.
“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.
The corpse flower at the Bloedel Conservatory has shown signs that it is ready to bloom any day now.
When it blooms, the flower will spread its flesh coloured petals and emit “rancid fumes” in order to attract pollinator insects that feed on dead animals.
“The Park Board was very fortunate to acquire this rare plant a few years ago,” said Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon in a statement.
“Our excellent horticultural staff have lovingly tended it ever since. Any day now residents and visitors will have a chance to witness one of nature’s strangest displays.”
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.
See also
- BC’s largest outdoor beer garden opens today in Vancouver
- New 3-km-long public trail opens in Richmond's new Garden City Lands Park
- Vancouver Park Board unveils new bird garden at VanDusen Botanical Garden
- Kids can ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish for FREE during spring break
- What the BC SPCA says to do if you find a dog trapped in a hot car this summer
- You can visit over 500 felines at Canada’s only cat sanctuary in Vancouver (PHOTOS)
Follow Channels and Categories