In the heart of the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, a botanical spectacle is unfolding that's drawing crowds and captivating audiences worldwide. Known as the corpse flower, or more affectionately dubbed 'Putricia' by its admirers, this rare titan arum is blooming for the first time in 15 years, and it's an event you won't want to miss—though you might want to hold your nose!


The titan arum is renowned not just for its colossal flower spike, which is the largest in the world, but also for its distinctive fragrance, reminiscent of rotting flesh. This pungent aroma, which peaks during the flower's brief 24-hour blooming period, is a clever evolutionary strategy to attract pollinators such as carrion beetles and flesh flies that are drawn to the scent of decay.


Despite its foul smell, Putricia has become an unlikely internet sensation, with over 500,000 people tuning in to a live stream to witness its rare blooming process. The flower's growth and development have been closely monitored by botanists at the gardens, who have shared updates on its height—reaching an impressive 1.63 meters—and temperature, a balmy 27 degrees Celsius as of Thursday afternoon.


The enthusiasm for Putricia has reached fever pitch online, with fans from around the globe expressing their adoration and even humorously exaggerating their devotion. Comments like 'I love you Putricia, my queen' and 'I would sacrifice my family for Putricia' highlight the flower's bizarre appeal. There's even a Spotify playlist dedicated to the corpse flower, featuring aptly themed songs such as Seal's 'Kiss From A Rose,' and a Facebook fan page where enthusiasts can share their fascination.

The corpse flower's peak stink was anticipated to occur on Thursday afternoon, with the bloom expected to remain open for several days. This provides a unique opportunity for those in Sydney to experience one of nature's most unusual displays. The scent of carrion flowers, which can also evoke comparisons to garbage or vomit, serves a vital purpose in the reproduction of these plants, luring in the necessary bugs and pollinators to ensure their survival.

Watch the livestream here:

Putricia is just one of several titan arums housed in the botanic gardens, and its blooming event is part of a series of corpse flower appearances across Australia. In recent years, thousands have flocked to witness these botanical giants at the Adelaide Botanic Garden and in cities like Geelong and Melbourne.


For our members at the Seniors Discount Club who have a penchant for the peculiar or simply appreciate the wonders of the natural world, this is an event not to be missed. If you're unable to make it to the gardens, the live stream offers a convenient—and less odorous—way to partake in the excitement.
So, dear readers, have you ever experienced the rare bloom of a corpse flower, or do you plan to visit Putricia before she closes her petals? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below. And remember, while the smell might be off-putting, the chance to witness such a rare and extraordinary event is truly a once-in-a-decade delight!