In Sydney, the extraordinary bloom of a rare endangered plant, known for its unpleasant odor reminiscent of decomposing flesh, drew a large crowd at a local greenhouse. On Thursday, hundreds of enthusiasts lined up for hours to witness this unique spectacle, which included an intriguing scent reminiscent of gym socks mixed with decaying waste.
This fascinating plant, scientifically named Amorphophallus titanum and commonly referred to as the corpse flower, is native to the Sumatran rainforest. The locals have affectionately named her Putricia, a blend of “putrid” and “Patricia,” and those who admire her have dubbed themselves Putricians. For a week, Putricia has been showcased in a dramatic display at the Royal Sydney Botanic Garden, set against a purple curtain and surrounded by mist generated by a humidifier.
The plant has garnered immense attention, with an estimated 20,000 visitors flocking to see Putricia during her short-lived bloom. It has been 15 years since a corpse flower opened at this particular garden, adding to the excitement.
Known for their rarity, there are believed to be only around 300 of these plants in the wild with fewer than 1,000 in cultivation worldwide. The corpse flower blooms only once every 7 to 10 years in its natural environment. “Their infrequent blooming is a disadvantage for survival,” remarked Sophie Daniel, a representative from the garden. “When they bloom, they rely on nearby flowers for pollination since they cannot self-pollinate.”
After being nurtured in the garden for seven years, Putricia was first noticed in December when she stood at just 25 centimeters (10 inches), but by Thursday, her height had reached an impressive 1.6 meters (5 feet 3 inches). Throughout the day, the flower’s spike gradually opened, resembling a grand pleated skirt that unveiled a burgundy center surrounded by yellow-green petals.
As anticipation grew in Sydney surrounding this special event, staff members set up crowd control barriers, transforming the Victorian greenhouse into an almost concert-like atmosphere. Visitors walked along a red carpet to catch a glimpse of Putricia from behind velvet ropes, inspired by themes from Queen Victoria’s funeral, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and the works of David Lynch.
Inside, fans enthusiastically took selfies and leaned in to smell the plant — a bold move as its odor intensified. Many were overtaken by a “slaughterhouse” smell, prompting some to cancel dinner plans, as noted by a science reporter from a local publication. “I am sickened,” he described, “yet utterly amazed.”
One young woman expressed her admiration by raising her arms in reverence, while the garden staff participated in a viral dance in front of the plant, generating significant online engagement as well.
Putricia’s unique bloom has inspired a diverse global online following, further amplified by a 24/7 live stream set up by the botanic garden, which attracted nearly a million views within a week. This phenomenon generated meme cultures and shared jokes among a community that has coined numerous acronyms such as WWTF (we watch the flower), WDNRP (we do not rush Putricia), and BBTB (blessed be the bloom).
As her bloom approached, many users commented on social media, racing to witness the spectacle firsthand, as they knew the bloom and accompanying odor wouldn’t last long. When the flower fully opened, it would heat up to about 37 degrees Celsius (100 F) to better spread its scent, luring in flies and carrion beetles for pollination. Garden staff also made plans for hand-pollination in hopes of preserving the plant’s genetic diversity and ensuring its survival.
With enthusiasm running high, countless Putricians sought the chance to be close to their beloved flower. “We did discuss the possibility of providing vomit bags for our guests,” Daniel shared, “but ultimately decided against it, and thankfully I haven’t heard of anyone suffering any harm.”
