In the greenhouse at Kew Gardens in London, a small crowd is forming, drawn to a peculiar stench in the back. A corpse flower, the mighty Amorphophallus titanum, has bloomed for the first time in years here, standing more than 2.5 metres tall.
I came to take in the stink of a plant that has become a celebrity the world over. And it really does feel like seeing a star. Staff from around Kew keep stopping by to snap a picture and take in the flower’s scent. When I first arrive, it’s not that pungent, but then the waves of putrid smells start wafting out.
The few of us gathered around compare notes, like we’re some sort of stink sommeliers. “It’s like leftover washing up.” “I’m getting an old cabbage vibe.” On top of it all is a more classic, rotten-meat smell.
These plants bloom only once every seven to 10 years, but if you missed it this time, there are around 15 A. titanum of flowering size at Kew, so keep an eye out for your next chance to see (er, smell) one.
Chelsea Whyte
Senior editor, Portland, Oregon