VANCOUVER—A six-foot-tall plant, known as the “corpse flower,” is expected to bloom at the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park in the next few days — providing a rare, stinky treat for Vancouverites.

The titan arum plant at the Conservatory will be the first of its type to bloom in B.C. The plant species is the largest flower on earth, growing up to twenty feet tall, and while its flesh-coloured petals bloom only for a few days, they emit an unforgettable stench, which some describe similar to hot garbage.

Bruce MacDonald, superintendent at the Bloedel Conservatory, said that he wasn’t expecting the young flower to bloom this year, as it is only six years old. But a few days ago he noticed the flower bud forming, indicating a bloom is fast approaching.

“It’s been quite the wild ride, we didn’t expect it but a few weeks ago, we noticed the bud turning into a flower bud — and we’ve had this mad rush to get it ready for the conservatory.”

Bloedel Conservatory will have extended hours, because the rotting flesh scent and the pale-coloured petals — which are meant to attract insects that feed on dead flesh in the plant’s home in the Indonesian rainforests — only bloom for a day or two.

MacDonald is expecting thousands of visitors to come see the plant. He said that the smell, while foul, is likely to be manageable for visitors.

“I don’t think it’s going to knock you out when you smell it.”

Vancouver parks is currently letting the public vote on a name for the flower, with options like “Stinky McStinkerson” or “Uncle Fester” or “Tina the titan.”

Read more about: