Post date: Jul 22, 2013 6:20:36 PM
Rare 8 foot (2.4 meters) tropical corpse flower is in full bloom at the U.S. Botanic Garden, without the renown offensive smell.
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (JULY 22, 2013) (REUTERS) - The highly anticipated bloom of the tropical corpse flower took place in Washington on Monday (July 22) at the National Botanic Garden.
The corpse flower, also known as Titan Arum, had been expected to bloom early last week, but waited another six days to bloom in full splendor.The large flower stands 8 feet tall (2.4 meters). During peak bloom time, these rare plants release a malodorous scent that is likened to the smell of rotting flesh. This plant released it's smelly perfume in the late evening and early morning hours, cheating visitors of the opportunity to see and smell the plant in all of its grandeur. Curators expect the flower to remain in bloom for 24 to 48 hours.
Experts say these plants do not have a predictable blooming cycle, that varies between every few years to to a few decades.
National Botanic Garden Plant Curator Bill McLaughlin told Reuters the plant took advantage of the recent warm temperatures to grow larger than expected.
"We're just happy. It made us wait an extra long time, its defied all the predictions we made. It should have been open a few days ago our estimate, but it took advantage of the heat wave and decided to grow much taller than expected and the public's going to get a huge eyeful today."
The U.S. Botanic Garden says it received this particular plant in 2007 when it was the size of a lima bean. It now weights 250 pounds (113 kilograms) and stands 8 feet tall (2.4 meters).
Long lines of visitors flocked to the base of the plant to take photographs and get a good look of the unusual large flower. Many were a bit disappointed they were unable to take in the smelly effects of the flower.
Botanical Garden visitor Antoinette Charles, who has seen the plant every day for a week, says the bloom was worth the wait.
"You know what, it's amazing. I'd have to say, that's the word for it, it's amazing It's a fascinating phenomena to watch this plant."
It is unlikely people even with a green thumb could grow this plant at home. It requires very special conditions including very warm temperatures around the clock as well as high humidity and lots of space.