Zoo's Reeking 'Corpse Flower' Blooms — But Only Briefly

BOSTON, MA — A unique flower has bloomed in Boston, but prepare your olfactory senses accordingly — the plant is said to smell of rotting flesh.

The Amorphophallus titanum, better known as the titan arum or corpse flower, unfurled its petals and its reeking odor Sunday, an event described by officials at Franklin Park Zoo as a "rarely observed blooming phenomenon."

On its website, the zoo announced:

"The corpse flower has bloomed! This giant of the plant world releases a smell akin to rotting flesh once it's bloomed. Visit Pugsley today in the Tropical Forest for a view (and a whiff)!"

Originating from Sumatra, the corpse flower often goes many years between blooms, which last for only 24-48 hours. Franklin Park Zoo has five of the pungent plants, but only one on display.

Want a whiff? Plan your visit or learn more from the zoo's website here.

Image courtesy Franklin Park Zoo