A rare botanical phenomenon is set to take place at Adelaide Botanic Garden this week, with the anticipated bloom of the infamous Corpse Flower.

The endangered plant, affectionately dubbed “Smellanie” by staff due to its putrid smell, is expected to begin blooming in the coming days.

Staff say the towering flower, which is native to Sumatra in Indonesia, only unfurls its petals for 24 to 48 hours – releasing a strong odour that is mostly compared to rotting flesh to attract insects.

Botanic Gardens horticultural curator Matt Coulter said the bloom that would appear in the Bicentennial Conservatory represented a significant milestone in a two decade-long conservation journey.

You might like

News

Northern suburbs labelled a ‘junkyard’ as dumped cars line roads

News

Mayor joins Premier in $200m spending promise for Mount Barker

“We received a donation of three seeds in 2006, and from that small starting point have grown a collection of around 250 plants,” Coulter said in a statement.

“Approximately 100 have been propagated from leaf cuttings and 150 through cross-pollination, in addition to the original three plants.

“This bloom has emerged from a tuber generated by one of those original seeds and marks the second time this particular plant has flowered, following its last bloom in 2021.”

As well as the blooming of the Corpse Flower that is currently standing at about 1.5 metres , a giant flowering agave is currently putting on a once-in-a-decade display.

The plant, which only blooms once in its lifetime, is flowering with a dramatic towering spike that can reach several metres high.

But both blooms are short-lived, according to a spokesperson for the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

“The timing of the flowering (of the corpse flower) can be difficult to predict exactly, but it will likely be later this week, so keep an eye on the BGSH social media channels and website for updates on exactly when the bloom has started, and what the viewing opening hours are,” they wrote.