Courtesy U.S. Botanic Garden.Today in “sure, why the hell not,” the U.S. Botanic Garden is streaming live video of its corpse flower, which is expected to unleash its stink in the near future.
Why live stream something that’s notable for its smell, which cannot be appreciated via computer screen? Because we can! It also may be enjoyable to watch the reactions from tourists as they get a whiff.
The titan arum’s “putrid smell is most potent during peak bloom at night into the early morning,” according to the Botanic Garden. For that reason, the conservatory will be open until 8 p.m. tonight and Wednesday so visitors can enjoy the stinky plant. Update: The Botanic Garden will stay open until 8 p.m. on Thursday. Second update: And Friday.
The Botanic Garden says the plant’s odor is “often compared to the stench of rotting flesh,” while the gardener who grew the plant compared its smell to “a very dead elephant.” Titan arum, which has an unpredictable blooming pattern, was last displayed in 2007. Once open, it will stay in bloom for 24 to 48 hours, according to the Botanic Garden.
