A unique flower at Edmonton's Muttart Conservatory, called Putrella, or more commonly the corpse flower, bloomed overnight and is emitting a foul odour some describe as like rotting meat.

The stench is supposed to last only one day, so the facility is extending its visiting hours until 11 p.m. Monday.

The giant flower, found in the jungles of Sumatra, is believed to be the first of its kind to bloom in Western Canada.

In fewer than 40 days, the plant has grown from a bud about two centimetres high to a flower more than two metres high.

The reason for the rotten odour? The smell attracts flies needed for pollination.

Staff have been keeping plant lovers updated on the flower's growth through Facebook and Twitter.