Life
Corpse flowers rarely bloom but if one does when you’re nearby you’ll know about it. Though many botanical gardens have their own corpse flowers, the plant’s mysteries still abound
By Chelsea Whyte
Botanist Steve Jones at the US Botanic Garden with a corpse flower bloom
Devin Dotson/US Botanic Garden
The following is an extract from our nature newsletter Wild Wild Life. Sign up to receive it for free in your inbox every month.
The first thing that drew me to the corpse flower was its unusual name. The second was the reason for the name – they bloom rarely and only for 24 to 36 hours, but when they do, they release a horrendous odour that can travel about half a mile and smells like rotting flesh. …
No commitment, cancel anytime*
Offer ends 14th June 2023.
*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.
Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)
or
Existing subscribers
Sign in to your account
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
