This is a copy of a notice I have just received from CAIRNS BOTANIC GARDENS about their rare Corpse Flower:
The Corpse Smelling plant is getting ready to flower and release its pungent aroma into the gardens! Check out our Facebook page for updates or come down and practice holding your breathe while you take in all its glory!
The Amorphophallus titan (Latin for huge deformed penis. Who ever said Botanists didn’t have a sense of humour?) is the largest unbranched flower structure in the world. The Cairns Botanic Gardens is pleased to have previously had 4 other flowering Titan Arums.
The flower opens at night creating so much heat it releases steam and a foul scent that lures in carcass eating insects to come pollinate it. BE QUICK- when the flower does open it is only for 3 days!
Jessica's Nature Blog 