On January 25, 2025, a corpse flower, known scientifically as Amorphophallus gigas, began to bloom at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City. This rare event attracted many visitors eager to experience the plant’s infamous odor, which resembles that of rotting flesh, as it is designed to attract pollinators such as beetles and flies.
- New Yorkers attracted to corpse flower bloom
- Amorphophallus gigas emits rotting flesh odor
- Flowering occurs every three to five years
- Visitors experience changing scents over time
- Plant named "Smelliot" by garden staff
- Rare event celebrated in cold January
The corpse flower typically blooms every three to five years and can take nearly a decade to flower for the first time. The garden announced the bloom on social media, prompting locals to visit and witness this natural phenomenon.
The corpse flower, native to the rainforests of Sumatra, is notable for its large size and distinctive smell. It can grow nearly six feet tall and is technically classified as an inflorescence, which is a cluster of many small flowers. The plant’s bloom is a rare spectacle, occurring infrequently, which adds to its allure.
When the Brooklyn Botanic Garden announced the bloom on social media, many New Yorkers rushed to see it. The experience was multi-sensory; visitors noted that the odor evolved throughout the day, initially likening it to a dead rat before it shifted to a scent reminiscent of cheese or ginkgo. The plant also emits heat, further attracting its pollinators.
In a fun twist, the garden staff held a naming contest for the corpse flower on Instagram, ultimately naming it “Smelliot.” This quirky event has provided New Yorkers with a unique reason to celebrate during the cold winter months.
The blooming of the corpse flower at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has captivated many, highlighting the intersection of nature and community engagement. As visitors flock to witness this rare event, the plant’s unusual characteristics continue to spark curiosity and excitement.
