Geelong Botanic Gardens corpse flower blooms

The corpse flower at the Geelong Botanic Gardens is in bloom for the first time, with hundreds of visitors lining up to see the rare sight. But those expecting a foul stench were left surprised. SEE THE VIDEO

The Geelong Botanic Gardens corpse flower is in bloom for the first time, with hundreds of people rushing to the site from far and wide to soak up the rare event.

People around the world have been monitoring Geelong council’s livestream for a number of days, waiting for the flower to bloom and a foul smell to arrive with it.

Significant movement was visible on Monday and by early afternoon, the line to catch a glimpse of the rare flower was almost out the front gate of the gardens.

Among the hundreds of punters were plenty who had been following on along, watching the flower reveal itself live on YouTube.

That was the case for four-year-old Emma Howlett, who had been watching the flower with classmates at kinder in Drysdale.

Candice Howlett and daughter Emma, 4, check out the rare corpse flower blooming at the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Picture: Brad Fleet

“She was so excited,” mum Candice said.

“When I asked her if she wanted to come see the big, special flower, she said ‘what? Yes, where is it?’

“She didn’t realise it was so close, she was really excited, it’s changed so much.”

The pair was amazed by the height of the plant, which they said looked smaller on the livestream.

Emma, 4, has been watching the corpse flower live stream at kinder. Picture: Brad Fleet

The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), commonly known as the corpse flower or corpse plant, is famous for its distinctive odour reminiscent of rotting flesh when it blooms.

The pungent smell it releases when it blooms attracts pollinators such as carrion beetles and flies.

Many visitors were left feeling a little disappointed with the lack of smell of the flower on Monday, but according to staff this could be the case when the flowers bloom for the first time.

Over its long life span, the titan arum flowers occasionally – as infrequently as once every 10 years – and it can be difficult to predict when.

This rare bloom lasts only 24 to 48 hours.

People lined up to see the flower. Picture: Brad Fleet

Geelong Botanic Gardens co-ordinator Kellee Reissinger said the corpse flowers normally bloomed in the evening.

“They normally open at dusk, we’re not sure what the catalyst was,” Ms Reissinger said.

Ms Reissinger said she was lost for words on Monday afternoon.

“We wished for it, and it’s here, and it’s all happening,” she said.

“It’s been a really enjoyable process, we’ve learned a lot from other botanic gardens and we’re just using this as a really lovely time to see how plants behave in our environment.

Punters blocked their noses, but the flower didn’t really smell. Picture: Brad Fleet

“I’m always worried that it’s not as exciting for others as it is for us, but I’m blown away, everyone’s been so respectful, I’ve had the best conversations and everyone’s been so engaged.”

While the corpse plant is in bloom, the Geelong Botanic Gardens will be open 24 hours to offer visitors the rare opportunity to see one of the largest flowers in the world.

The Geelong Botanic Gardens were gifted two Amorphophallus titanum corms in 2021.

There were lengthy lines at the botanic gardens. Picture: Brad Fleet

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

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

Originally published as Geelong Botanic Gardens corpse flower blooms