On January 25, 2025, visitors at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden experienced the rare bloom of the Amorphophallus gigas, a plant known for its foul odor reminiscent of rotting flesh. This is the first bloom of the plant since it arrived in Brooklyn in 2018, drawing crowds eager to witness and smell the unique flower.
- Visitors photograph rare blooming plant
- Amorphophallus gigas emits putrid scent
- First bloom since 2018 in Brooklyn
- Plant native to Sumatra, attracts pollinators
- Similar bloom event in Sydney, Australia
- Long wait for next blooming event
The Amorphophallus gigas, native to Sumatra, features hundreds of flowers and can take years to bloom. Gardener Chris Sprindis noted that the bloom, which will last only a few days, was first observed around New Year’s Eve.
The Amorphophallus gigas, closely related to the corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum), is notable for its height and strong odor, which it uses to attract pollinators. The plant’s inflorescence contains both male and female flowers and can take several years to bloom again after this event. Visitors described the smell as a mix of feet, cheese, and rotten meat, highlighting the plant’s notorious reputation.
In addition to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, similar blooms have occurred globally. For instance, a corpse flower bloomed at the Royal Sydney Botanic Garden for the first time in 15 years, attracting thousands of visitors who waited in long lines to experience its scent. Key details include:
- Amorphophallus gigas bloomed for the first time in Brooklyn since 2018.
- The bloom will last only a few days before collapsing.
- Similar blooms have drawn crowds in other botanical gardens worldwide.
Gardener Chris Sprindis emphasized that this blooming event is unique and will not happen again for several years. The excitement surrounding the plant underscores the fascination with rare botanical phenomena and their ability to attract large audiences.
The blooming of the Amorphophallus gigas at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden marks a significant event for plant enthusiasts. With its strong odor and rarity, it continues to captivate visitors and highlight the diverse wonders of the plant kingdom.
