Putricia, the corpse flower at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, has attracted significant attention since it began blooming on January 24, 2025. Known for its foul odor reminiscent of rotting flesh, this rare plant has drawn over 20,000 visitors eager to experience its unique scent and impressive height of 1.6 meters.
- Putricia is an internet-famous corpse flower.
- It emits a smell like rotting flesh.
- The flower bloomed at Sydney Botanic Gardens.
- Over 20,000 visitors came to see Putricia.
- It attracts pollinators with its odor.
- The plant is endangered due to habitat loss.
The corpse flower, scientifically known as amorphophallus titanum, is native to Indonesia and is considered endangered due to habitat loss. It is known for its large, fluted crimson petals and a central stalk that can reach over 3 meters in height. The flower typically blooms only once every few years and lasts for about a day, making Putricia’s blooming a rare event for the Botanic Gardens, as the last bloom occurred in 2010.
During its bloom, Putricia generated a strong odor that could be detected from 20 meters away. This scent is crucial for attracting pollinators such as flies and beetles, which are essential for the plant’s reproduction. The gardens have created a livestream to document Putricia’s growth, which has attracted over 1.5 million views and fostered an active online community.
Visitors have expressed mixed reactions to the flower’s smell, with some describing it as similar to “hot garbage.” Sydney’s Botanic Gardens staff have reported being surprised by the level of interest, with thousands visiting to witness the bloom. After approximately 48 hours, the flower will collapse, and it will take three to five years before Putricia blooms again.
Putricia’s blooming at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney not only highlights the plant’s rarity but also showcases the public’s fascination with unusual natural phenomena. The event has successfully combined education and entertainment, drawing significant crowds and online engagement.
