On January 23, 2025, a rare corpse flower, known scientifically as amorphophallus titanum, drew hundreds of visitors to the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney. The flower, nicknamed Putricia, is notable for its foul odor reminiscent of decaying flesh, attracting fans eager to witness its bloom after 15 years without one in the garden.
- Corpse flower attracts thousands of visitors.
- Known as Putricia, inspired fanbase forms.
- Rare blooms occur every 7-10 years.
- Unique display combines gothic and funereal themes.
- Online following generates memes and inside jokes.
- Hand-pollination efforts for species survival.
Putricia, the corpse flower, has become a sensation at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney. With only about 300 of these plants remaining in the wild, and fewer than 1,000 cultivated globally, their rare blooms occur every 7-10 years. Garden spokesperson Sophie Daniel noted that the plant must rely on nearby flowers for pollination since it cannot self-pollinate.
Since her discovery in December, when she measured just 25 centimeters (10 inches), Putricia has grown to 1.6 meters (5 feet 3 inches). The flower’s spike opened slowly, revealing a striking burgundy center surrounded by yellow-green petals. Visitors waited in long lines, some for hours, to catch a glimpse of the flower and experience its notorious scent.
The excitement surrounding Putricia has been palpable, with garden staff creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a concert. Fans, dubbed “Putricians,” engaged in social media discussions and even created memes, while a live stream of the bloom attracted nearly a million views in just a week. As the flower opened, it heated to 37 degrees Celsius (100 F), enhancing its odor to attract pollinators like flies and carrion beetles.
As the bloom unfolded, garden staff prepared to hand-pollinate the flower to help ensure the species’ survival. Despite the overwhelming smell, which some described as akin to a slaughterhouse, the allure of witnessing such a rare botanical event drew thousands to the garden.
Putricia’s bloom represents a significant event for both the Royal Botanic Garden and the conservation of endangered species. With thousands eager to witness this rare occurrence, the corpse flower continues to captivate and educate the public about the importance of biodiversity.
