Rare corpse flower blooms, attracting crowds in Massachusetts
- The corpse flower, a rare plant, blooms every ten years for a period of 24 hours.
- Eliza, the corpse flower, bloomed at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society on Sunday night.
- The event attracted numerous visitors intrigued by this unique floral occurrence.
In Dover, Massachusetts, an extremely rare flower known as the corpse flower, or amorphophallus titanum, reached its peak bloom on Sunday night. This unique blooming event occurred after a growth period of about ten years during which the plant develops one tall leaf per year. The flower blooms for a brief period of 24 hours, making it a significant event for plant enthusiasts and horticulturalists alike. During the bloom, the corpse flower exhibits a distinctive odor, which has been compared to rotting garbage, drawing in visitors who are curious about the phenomenon. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, recognizing the rarity of the occurrence, extended its hours to midnight to accommodate the eager crowds wishing to see and smell the flower. Many visitors expressed their excitement about witnessing such a rare botanical event, knowing that it would be another decade before they would have an opportunity to see another bloom. Shari Wall, a visitor, noted the rarity and intrigue of the flower, stating it was a unique opportunity to see something so unusual. Isaac Verardo, another visitor, described the smell as similar to that of rotting diapers, highlighting the pungent odor the corpse flower is notorious for. Experts explain that the flower generates heat as part of its reproductive strategy, which helps disperse its scent and attract pollinators. The body of the flower heats up, leading to the release of gases that contribute to its well-known unpleasant smell. Wheaton College, located in nearby Norton, had previously nurtured the corpse flower in their research greenhouse. However, due to the timing of the bloom in the middle of summer when students would not be on campus, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society took the initiative to host this rare event. The event provided both educational opportunities and a memorable experience for those who attended, resulting in a significant turnout of enthusiasts who appreciated this unique occurrence in the plant world.