Visitors braving the infamously pungent corpse flower in Adelaide Botanic Garden in 2023. Photo Alexandra Drewniak.
Adelaide Botanic Garden is set to host one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles in the coming days, with the anticipated bloom of the infamous Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum).
Renowned for its towering size, pungent aroma and fleeting appearance, the endangered plant is expected to draw thousands of visitors keen to experience this rare botanical phenomenon.
Also known as the Titan Arum, the Sumatran plant releases a distinctive scent often likened to rotting flesh. The powerful odour peaks within the first 24 hours of flowering as the plant attracts pollinators, lasting up to 48 hours. After this brief display, the striking yellow spadix begins to collapse.
Horticultural Curator at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia (BGSH), Matt Coulter, said the bloom represents a significant milestone in a plant conservation journey that began two decades ago.
“We received a donation of three seeds in 2006, and from that small starting point have grown a collection of around 250 Titan Arum plants,” Mr Coulter said.
“Approximately 100 have been propagated from leaf cuttings and 150 through cross-pollination, in addition to the original three plants. This bloom has emerged from a tuber generated by one of those original seeds and marks the second time this particular plant has flowered, following its last bloom in 2021.”
Currently standing at approximately 1.5 metres tall, and affectionately named by staff as Smellanie, the bloom highlights the importance of long-term plant conservation efforts. Titan Arums are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 1,000 plants remaining in the wild.
Habitat loss from deforestation for palm oil plantations, illegal logging, theft and climate change continues to threaten the species, making the ex-situ conservation role of botanic gardens increasingly critical.
Matt Coulter with a Titan Arum in seed at the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden nursery.
BGSH Director Michael Harvey said plant conservation is central to the organisation’s mission.
“BGSH works closely with botanic gardens and conservation-focused institutions across Australia and internationally to protect both Australian and exotic plant species,” Mr Harvey said.
“In the case of the Titan Arum, our horticultural experts have shared tubers, DNA samples, propagation techniques and research to help safeguard this remarkable species.”
“The growth of this collection, and the enjoyment it brings to the public, is a testament to the skill, dedication and expertise of our team.”
When will it bloom?
The timing of the flowering can be difficult to predict exactly, but it will likely be later this week, so keep an eye on the BGSH social media channels and website for updates on exactly when the bloom has started, and what the viewing opening hours are.
Where is it on display?
It is on display in the Bicentennial Conservatory in Adelaide Botanic Garden.
When it starts to bloom, visitors should queue via the Friends’ Gate during the day, or Conservatory Gate after 5pm - both on Plane Tree Drive - and come prepared for queues and summer conditions.
This is also the location of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Until Smellanie blooms, visitors are required to purchase a ticket to enter the conservatory, which will be open from 10am - 4pm daily for the photography exhibition.
How much will it cost to see it?
On the first and second bloom day, entry to the conservatory will be free. However a suggested donation of $5 or $10 per adult helps support ongoing conservation work, and makes experiences like this possible.
Please note that the stunning Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is currently on display inside this conservatory. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a ticketed event, but we recognise the very high community interest in the Titan Arum so entry to the conservatory will be free from the beginning of the bloom event and the entire second day of the bloom.
How do I find out more?
Updates will be shared on our social media channels:
Facebook @AdelaideBotanicGarden
Instagram - @botanicgardenssa
Check out our corpse flower page here where you can also plan your corpse flower visit.
