The foul-smelling Titan arum blooms at Kew Gardens

world's largest collection of living plants in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Highlights

The Titan arum plant, also known as the corpse flower, blooms at Kew Gardens in London.
Visitors can experience the incredibly foul smell of rotten flesh emitted by the plant.
The plant's odor is meant to attract pollinators that feed and breed on flesh.

Story

The Titan arum, also known as the corpse flower, bloomed at Kew Gardens on June 18, emitting a foul smell of rotten flesh to attract pollinators. This rare flower, native to Sumatra, is endangered in the wild due to deforestation. Visitors at Kew Gardens can witness and smell the titan arum, which has the world's largest flowering structure and can attract pollinators from half a mile away. The bloom is expected to last only 24 hours, with extended opening hours at Kew Gardens to accommodate visitors. Science journalist Marnie Chesterton described the smell as a mix of unwashed lavatory and spoiled food. The plant's unique characteristics and pungent odor have drawn excitement from crowds at Kew Gardens.

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