Australian Citizens Willing to Queue to Smell the Rare Corpse Flower

Kapanlagi.com - The blooming of the corpse flower at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a rare event that attracts thousands of Australians. The flower, scientifically known as Amorphophallus titanum, is characterized by its odor of rotting flesh, which paradoxically becomes an irresistible attraction. In fact, some visitors are willing to wait in line for up to two hours to witness this rare flower bloom perfectly. This phenomenon is a testament to how the uniqueness of nature can create unexpected allure.

In the past 15 years, the corpse flower in this botanical garden has never bloomed. This blooming of the corpse flower this time is a special moment that has been eagerly awaited, not only by on-site visitors but also by thousands of online viewers through live broadcasts. The Chief Scientist of the Sydney Botanic Garden, Brett Summerell, explained that this flower provides a unique experience for visitors. He compared its aroma to a rotting opossum on a rooftop.

Not only on-site, the presence of this flower has also captured the attention of the online world. The blooming of this flower, nicknamed Putricia, has even given rise to a unique term like "WWTF" (We Watch The Flower) among its viewers. Some visitors even describe this experience as one way to appreciate the wonders of nature that are hard to find in everyday life.

Summarized from various sources on Sunday (26/1/2025), here is the excitement of Australians witnessing the blooming corpse flower that they call a wonder.

1. The Rare Blooming Phenomenon of the Corpse Flower

The corpse flower is one of the rare flora that can only be found in the forests of Sumatra, Indonesia. The blooming of this flower is a very rare event, occurring only every 7–10 years, with a maximum blooming duration of 24 hours. At the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, this is the fifth time the corpse flower has bloomed in the last 15 years.

During the blooming process, this flower can grow up to 1.6 meters tall. The large flower stalk and the burgundy central part give it a unique appearance. Additionally, the foul smell it emits resembles rotting flesh or wet garbage, which actually serves to attract pollinating insects. Although it may seem disgusting, this uniqueness is what draws visitors.

Chief Scientist Brett Summerell mentioned that this experience also provides insight into the importance of conservation. Currently, only about 300 species remain in the wild, and this flower is threatened with extinction due to deforestation and climate change. Therefore, botanical gardens like the one in Sydney serve as important sanctuaries for the preservation of this flower.

2. The Preparation for Putricia's Blooming at the Sydney Botanic Garden

Putricia, the nickname for the corpse flower in Sydney, has been in the spotlight since the beginning of the year. This flower began to show signs of blooming in December 2024, when it had just reached a height of 25 centimeters. However, as time went on, this flower grew rapidly to a height of 1.6 meters by January 2025.

During the blooming process, this flower was placed in a special greenhouse with optimal temperature and humidity settings. Barrier ropes and a red carpet were installed to ensure the comfort of visitors and the safety of the flower. This atmosphere gave an exclusive impression akin to a royal funeral, adding to the uniqueness of the experience for visitors.

Additionally, the botanic garden also broadcasted the blooming process of Putricia live through an online platform. Thousands of viewers from various parts of the world tuned in to witness this moment, demonstrating that the uniqueness of the corpse flower can attract attention not only locally but also globally.

3. Uncontrollable Enthusiasm of Visitors

Long queues of up to two hours became a common sight during the blooming of the corpse flower in Sydney. Thousands of visitors were willing to wait to catch a whiff of this unique flower's aroma, even though it smells like a dead animal. For many, this is a rare opportunity that should not be missed.

One visitor mentioned that the smell was like a rotting carcass at home, but they felt this experience was very valuable. A similar sentiment was expressed by other visitors, who described the smell of this flower as a mix between wet socks and hot cat food.

The enthusiasm of the visitors was also evident from their activities while at the location. Besides taking photos in front of the flower, many tried to bring their noses closer to experience its foul aroma. This phenomenon proves that the appeal of the corpse flower lies not only in its appearance but also in the sensory experience it offers.

4. The Significance of Corpse Flower in Conservation

The corpse flower is an important symbol in the efforts to conserve rare flora. With its natural habitat increasingly shrinking in Sumatra, this flower is threatened with extinction due to human activities such as deforestation and land conversion. According to data, only about 300 individual corpse flowers remain in the wild, making it one of the rarest plant species in the world.

Botanical gardens like the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney play a crucial role in preserving this species. Conservation programs include propagation through breeding and educating the public about the importance of preserving biodiversity. With places like this, the corpse flower has a greater chance of survival in the future.

Additionally, the blooming of this flower also helps raise public awareness about environmental issues. Community enthusiasm shows that education through direct experience can have a positive impact in supporting conservation efforts.

5. Unique Experiences that Inspire

The experience of seeing and smelling the corpse flower is not just a recreational activity, but also a moment to appreciate the wonders of nature.

This phenomenon also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining ecosystem balance. The presence of the corpse flower in botanical gardens provides an opportunity for the community to understand that the uniqueness of nature needs to be protected so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.

As one of the largest flora in the world, the corpse flower demonstrates that nature has a unique way of attracting human attention. Whether through its aroma, shape, or rarity, this flower continues to be a symbol of the unmatched strength and beauty of nature.

6. Why is the corpse flower called that?

The corpse flower is called so because the aroma it produces resembles the smell of a corpse or rotting flesh, which aims to attract pollinating insects.

7. How often does the corpse flower bloom?

The corpse flower typically blooms every 7 to 10 years and lasts only 24 to 48 hours.

8. What is the purpose of the corpse flower's foul smell?

The foul smell of the corpse flower serves to attract pollinating insects such as flies and beetles that are drawn to the scent of decay.

(kpl/frr)