Corpse flower blooms at Geelong Botanic Gardens

Geelong Botanic Gardens' corpse flower has begun to bloom for the first time. Photos: FACEBOOK/CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

AFTER days of anticipation, the rare corpse flower housed at the Geelong Botanic Gardens has begun to bloom for the very first time.

Famous for its pungent smell which is said to be reminiscent of rotting flesh, the corpse flower, or Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum), blooms infrequently once every seven to 10 years.

Once it begins to bloom, the plant typically only remains open for 24 to 48 hours.

To give the community an opportunity to witness this rare phenomenon, the Geelong Botanic Gardens will remain open for 24 hours until at least tomorrow (Tuesday, November 12).

Tens of thousands of people, some as far away as the Nepal, the UK and the US, have tuned into watch the livestream of the corpse flower.

City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie said this was an exciting moment for both plant enthusiasts and the community.

“As the Geelong Botanic Gardens opens its doors for this extraordinary event, we can appreciate the vital role that botanic gardens play in promoting rare and unique plant species,” she said.

“The endangered Titan Arum is the largest species of carrion flower, and its preservation is important as the wild population is in decline.

“Since the bloom window is so short, don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience and come see it for yourself at the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

“It’s been fantastic to see so many people interested in the Titan Arum and thank you to the thousands of people who have come to visit our iconic gardens in the lead-up to its blossoming.”