Rare flower that stinks like rotting meat preparing to bloom at Vancouver conservatory
A massive flower that blooms for just one day every few years and smells like decaying flesh will soon open again at Vancouver's Bloedel Conservatory.
Dubbed "Uncle Fester," Bloedel Conservatory's Amorphophallus titanum - commonly known as titan arum or corpse flower - drew large crowds when it first bloomed in 2018.
The 2018 bloom was the first time a corpse flower had ever bloomed in British Columbia, according to a news release from the Vancouver Park Board.
Most years, corpse flowers produce only a leaf, which can reach up to 15 feet in length.
"But some years, an enormous flower spike – or spadix – will emerge, wrapped in a frilly, modified leaf called a spathe," the park board explained in its release.
"The spathe unfolds, exposing small flowers that bloom in rings around its base that release scent molecules to signal their readiness for fertilization."
The scent, which is similar to rancid or rotten meat, is intended to attract carrion beetles and other insects that feed on dead animals. These insects serve as pollinators for the plants.
The plants are native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra and typically take seven to 10 years to bloom for the first time, and can take as long as a decade to bloom again, though some specimens bloom every two to three years, according to the park board.
Uncle Fester - named in a public poll in 2018 - was approximately six years old when it first bloomed, and its first bloom was measured at 77 inches. This year's bloom is on track to be even larger, according to Bloedel Conservatory superintendent Bruce McDonald.
“We are so excited to bring Uncle Fester back to Bloedel Conservatory, and can’t wait to have the public join us in experiencing the pungent scent explosion that, once smelled, is hard to forget,” McDonald said in the release.
“Bets are on as to when exactly the flower will open, but based on its already-larger corm, we think this year’s bloom is going to be bigger and stinkier than ever before," he added.
Those interested in visiting the corpse flower can book a time slot on the Bloedel Conservatory website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'
Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.