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
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
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.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.