January 19th 2025.
According to experts, the rare "corpse flower" at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney may finally bloom tonight. This endangered flower, known by various names such as bunga bangkai, titan arum, or amorphophallus titanum, can only be found in the wild rainforests of western Sumatra. Its blooming is a rare occurrence, happening only once every few years and lasting for just 24 hours. And now, after closely monitoring its temperature, experts believe that the flower is ready to reveal itself to the world.
As its name suggests, the corpse flower gives off a scent similar to that of rotting flesh, which has earned it its infamous nickname. Chief Scientist Professor Brett Summerell explains that the recent temperature reading of 26.5-degrees may be a sign of something called thermogenesis, indicating that the flower is preparing to bloom. "He thinks we might be looking at a full bloom beginning tonight or tomorrow, as the spathe is darkening and things are loosening up," the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney shared on their Instagram page.
In anticipation of this rare event, the opening hours of the gardens will be extended to 8am until 12am, allowing flower enthusiasts to witness the blooming in person. For those who are unable to visit in person, the Botanic Gardens of Sydney is also livestreaming the event on YouTube. Despite the pungent scent that will accompany the blooming, thousands are expected to line up for a glimpse of this unique flower.
Describing the smell of the corpse flower, experts are at a loss for words. "If you've got some wet teenage socks, throw that into a blender, then you get some cat food you've left out in the sun, whack that in your blender, and then get some day old vomit," explained Paul Nicholson, the Botanic Gardens manager of volunteer programs. "Put that in the blender, blend it all up, rip the lid off. That's the kind of smell you're getting. It's actually stunningly beautiful as well."
For those who are brave enough to experience the smell for themselves, the plant is already on display for public viewing. Entry to the gardens is by donation, and the blooming of the corpse flower will mark only the fifth time it has happened at the Sydney gardens. The most recent blooming occurred in 2010, with other occurrences in 2004, 2008, and a rare double blooming in 2006.
If you don't want to miss out on this unique event, be sure to download the 9News app. Stay updated on the latest breaking news, sports updates, political news, and weather reports, and receive notifications straight to your smartphone. The app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Don't miss your chance to witness this rare and stunningly beautiful phenomenon at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
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