The Denver Botanic Gardens stinky plant, known scientifically as Amorphophallus titanum or commonly as the corpse flower, is a rare and fascinating botanical specimen. This extraordinary plant is renowned for its massive size, unique structure, and most notably, its overpowering stench reminiscent of rotting flesh. The corpse flower’s infrequent blooming events at the Denver Botanic Gardens attract thousands of visitors, eager to witness and experience this olfactory marvel firsthand.
What Is the Denver Botanic Gardens Stinky Plant?
The Denver Botanic Gardens stinky plant is the Amorphophallus titanum, or corpse flower. This remarkable species is native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, and is one of the largest flowering structures in the plant kingdom. The corpse flower is not a single flower but an inflorescence – a cluster of flowers arranged on a spadix (a fleshy spike) surrounded by a spathe (a leaf-like bract).
Key features of the corpse flower include:
- Massive size: The bloom can reach heights of up to 8-10 feet
- Distinctive appearance: A large, purple-red spathe surrounding a tall, fleshy spadix
- Rare blooming: Flowers only once every 7-10 years on average
- Short-lived bloom: The flower typically lasts only 24-48 hours
Why Does the Denver Botanic Gardens Stinky Plant Smell So Bad?
The corpse flower’s infamous stench is a crucial part of its reproductive strategy. The plant emits a powerful odor reminiscent of rotting flesh to attract pollinators that typically feed on carrion, such as flies and beetles.
The smell is composed of several chemical compounds, including:
- Dimethyl trisulfide: Produces a rotten egg smell
- Dimethyl disulfide: Contributes to a garlic-like odor
- Trimethylamine: Responsible for a fishy smell
- Isovaleric acid: Produces a sweaty, cheesy odor
These compounds combine to create the plant’s signature stench, which can be detected from a considerable distance.
When Does the Denver Botanic Gardens Stinky Plant Bloom?
The blooming of the corpse flower is an unpredictable and rare event. At the Denver Botanic Gardens, there is no specific blooming season for the corpse flower. The plant’s flowering cycle is influenced by various factors, including:
- Age of the plant
- Size of the underground corm (a bulb-like structure)
- Environmental conditions
When conditions are right, the plant will begin to produce a flower bud. The development of the bud to full bloom can take several weeks to months. Once the spathe unfurls, the bloom typically lasts only 24-48 hours before it begins to wilt.
How Do Visitors React to the Denver Botanic Gardens Stinky Plant?
The blooming of the corpse flower at the Denver Botanic Gardens is a major event that attracts thousands of visitors. Reactions to the plant and its odor vary widely:
| Reaction Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fascination | Many visitors are intrigued by the plant’s size and unique appearance |
| Disgust | Some find the smell overwhelming and unpleasant |
| Excitement | Plant enthusiasts and botanists are thrilled to witness the rare bloom |
| Curiosity | Many visitors are eager to experience the infamous smell firsthand |
| Disappointment | Some visitors arrive after the peak smell has dissipated |
Despite the unpleasant odor, the blooming event is often met with enthusiasm and draws large crowds eager to witness this botanical wonder.
What Makes the Denver Botanic Gardens Stinky Plant Unique?
The corpse flower at the Denver Botanic Gardens is unique for several reasons:
- Rarity: It’s one of the few places in North America where visitors can see this species
- Size: The Denver specimen is often one of the largest recorded blooms in cultivation
- Educational value: The plant provides an opportunity for public education about rare species and plant biology
- Cultural significance: The blooming events have become a part of Denver’s cultural calendar
How Does the Denver Botanic Gardens Care for the Stinky Plant?
Caring for the corpse flower requires specialized knowledge and facilities. The Denver Botanic Gardens provides optimal conditions for the plant, including:
- Controlled temperature and humidity
- Specific soil composition
- Careful watering and fertilization regimens
- Protection from pests and diseases
The horticulturists at the gardens monitor the plant closely, especially as it approaches a potential blooming period.
What Are the Conservation Implications of the Denver Botanic Gardens Stinky Plant?
The presence of the corpse flower at the Denver Botanic Gardens serves important conservation purposes:
- Raising awareness about rare and endangered plant species
- Contributing to global efforts to preserve the corpse flower, which is threatened in its native habitat
- Providing opportunities for scientific study and research
- Inspiring public interest in plant conservation and biodiversity
By maintaining and successfully cultivating this rare species, the Denver Botanic Gardens plays a crucial role in its conservation.
How Can Visitors Experience the Denver Botanic Gardens Stinky Plant?
For those eager to experience the corpse flower, the Denver Botanic Gardens offers several ways to engage with the plant:
- Regular updates on the garden’s website and social media channels about the plant’s status
- Special viewing events when the plant is close to blooming
- Educational programs and guided tours during blooming periods
- Live webcams for remote viewing when the plant is in bloom
Visitors are advised to check the garden’s official communications regularly, as the blooming event can be unpredictable and short-lived.
The Denver Botanic Gardens stinky plant, the corpse flower, continues to captivate and intrigue visitors with its rare blooms and potent odor. This botanical marvel serves as a testament to the diversity of the plant kingdom and the important role of botanical gardens in conservation and education.
References:
1. http://navigate.botanicgardens.org/weboi/oecgi2.exe/INET_ECM_DispTour?TOURCODE=CORPSE_FLOWER
2. https://www.sciencefriday.com/articles/a-corpse-flower-blooms-in-denver/
3. https://www.9news.com/article/life/style/colorado-guide/the-corpse-flowers-scientific-name-will-make-you-giggle-and-thats-ok/73-589259751