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Rare Corpse Flower Blooms in Australia
Thousands flocked to see a rare corpse flower bloom in Australia, attracting attention due to its unpredictable blooming and pungent odor.
English
United States
EntertainmentLifestyleConservationEndangered SpeciesBloomBotanyRare Plant
CnnGeelong Botanic GardenState Herbarium In AdelaideCity Of Greater GeelongIucn
Reese McilvenaAli Wastie
- What role do botanic gardens play in the conservation of the corpse flower?
- Dozens of botanic gardens worldwide cultivate corpse flowers to support conservation efforts, given that only a few hundred plants remain in the wild. One such garden in California even named its corpse flower "Darth Vapor."
- What is unique about the corpse flower and why does it attract so much attention?
- The corpse flower, or Amorphophallus Titanum, is known for its putrid smell, attracting pollinators like beetles and flies. It blooms unpredictably, sometimes only once every 10 years, and each bloom lasts only 24 to 48 hours.
- Describe the public's reaction to the corpse flower blooming event in Geelong, Australia.
- Thousands of people visited the Geelong Botanic Garden in Australia to witness the rare corpse flower bloom, describing the smell as similar to a dead possum, mouse, or stinky pond. The event drew such a large crowd that the garden offered a livestream for those who couldn't attend in person.
- What is the conservation status of the corpse flower and what are the main threats to its survival?
- The corpse flower is native to Indonesia and is listed as endangered due to habitat loss from deforestation and land conversion for plantations. Its native Sumatran forest has been significantly degraded.
- What is the history of the corpse flower at the Geelong Botanic Garden and how long was it open for public viewing?
- The Geelong Botanic Garden received the corpse flower as a gift in 2021 and horticulturalists carefully monitored it for signs of blooming. The flower bloomed on November 11th, 2024 and remained open for public viewing until the evening of the 12th.