I heard a rare corpse flower is blooming in Brooklyn, and it’s known for its pungent odor. Can you tell me more about this fascinating plant? Why does it smell like rotting flesh, how often does it bloom, and what’s the science behind attracting pollinators with such a scent?.
A rare and extraordinary event is taking place in Brooklyn, as the corpse flower is blooming again. Known for its overwhelming odor resembling rotting flesh, the corpse flower has captivated plant enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike. But why does this plant emit such an unpleasant smell? How often does it bloom? And what’s the science behind this pungent scent attracting pollinators? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the mysteries of this fascinating plant and explore the science behind its remarkable characteristics.
Table of Contents
Toggle1. What Is the Corpse Flower? A Brief Introduction to the Amorphophallus Titanum
The corpse flower, scientifically known as Amorphophallus titanum, is a rare and unique plant native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia. Its most famous characteristic is its immense flower, which can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall. Despite its large size, the plant is also known for its short blooming periods, making it even more elusive and intriguing.
Its name, “corpse flower,” comes from its most notorious feature: a powerful, foul odor that smells like decaying flesh. This unpleasant scent, coupled with its enormous flower, has made the corpse flower a subject of fascination worldwide.
2. Why Does the Corpse Flower Smell Like Rotting Flesh?
Attracting Pollinators with an Unusual Scent
The reason behind the corpse flower’s stinky aroma lies in its strategy to attract specific pollinators. In the wild, the plant relies on carrion beetles and flesh flies for pollination. These insects are naturally attracted to the smell of decomposing organic matter, which is why the flower emits a scent resembling rotting meat.
The corpse flower releases its distinctive odor for just 48 hours, coinciding with its bloom. This short window of time is enough to attract the insects, which are drawn to the flower’s heat and scent, believing it to be a rotting carcass. As they visit the flower to lay eggs, they unwittingly help pollinate it, ensuring the plant’s reproduction.
The Science Behind the Smell
The smell is produced by volatile sulfur compounds, which are similar to those found in decaying flesh. These compounds are released when the plant’s large spathe (a type of modified leaf) opens up and exposes the flower to the air. The heat generated by the flower also plays a role in intensifying the odor and spreading it over a wider area. The combination of the smell and warmth mimics the ideal environment for these pollinators, ensuring the survival of the species.
3. How Often Does the Corpse Flower Bloom?
A Rare Event: Blooming Only Every Few Years
One of the most intriguing aspects of the corpse flower is its rarity. It does not bloom regularly—typically, the plant will only flower once every 7 to 10 years in its native habitat. In cultivation, blooming is even more infrequent due to factors like temperature, humidity, and light conditions.
The flowering cycle is so rare that it often attracts significant attention whenever it occurs. During its blooming period, the plant’s large flower is in full display, and people flock to botanical gardens to witness the event. When the corpse flower blooms, it becomes a temporary spectacle, drawing crowds who are curious about the powerful scent and the rare opportunity to see the plant’s flower up close.
What Happens During a Bloom?
When the corpse flower blooms, it begins to produce the foul odor and release it in waves. The process usually lasts for about two days. The flower opens up in the evening, reaching its peak scent during the night and into the following day. During this period, the flower will start to wilt, and the scent will begin to dissipate, marking the end of the bloom.
4. Where Can You See the Corpse Flower Blooming?
Rare but Not Impossible to See
Although the corpse flower is not commonly found in the wild outside its native habitat, it is increasingly being cultivated in botanical gardens and greenhouses around the world. These controlled environments mimic the tropical conditions necessary for the plant to thrive.
In cities like Brooklyn, visitors to botanical gardens have the unique chance to witness the blooming of a corpse flower. For instance, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has been home to several corpse flowers, and when one begins to bloom, it draws significant crowds. Many gardens offer live streams or special events to mark the blooming, so enthusiasts from around the world can experience the event virtually.
5. The Science Behind the Corpse Flower’s Success
The Role of Temperature and Pollination
The corpse flower’s ability to attract pollinators with its scent is only one part of its fascinating biology. The plant also produces heat, which can raise the temperature of the flower by several degrees above the surrounding environment. This warmth, in combination with the smell, makes it even more attractive to the insects that pollinate it.
The pollination process for the corpse flower is highly specialized. Unlike most flowers, which rely on wind or bees for pollination, the corpse flower needs specific insects—mainly carrion beetles and flesh flies—to transfer pollen. The timing of the bloom is crucial to ensure that these insects are active and in the vicinity when the flower opens.
6. The Mysterious Allure of the Corpse Flower
The corpse flower is a true botanical marvel—rare, unpredictable, and fascinating. Its pungent odor, while repulsive to humans, serves an important evolutionary purpose, attracting specific pollinators needed for reproduction. The fact that it blooms so infrequently only adds to its allure, making each blooming event a moment of wonder and intrigue.
Whether you’re in Brooklyn or another part of the world, keep an eye out for the next rare corpse flower bloom. It’s not every day you get to witness a plant that literally stinks up the place while pulling off one of nature’s most unique pollination tricks.
