14 DAY TRIAL // In a very short while, a corpse flower currently residing at a greenhouse at Cornell University in the city of Ithaca in central New York, US, will bloom and release a stench similar to that let out by rotting flesh.
The flower, nicknamed Wee Stinky, last bloomed over two years ago. The folks at Cornell University say that, about a month ago, it suddenly started growing at a freakishly rapid pace. This can only mean that it is well on its way to blooming once again.
Judging by its size, the flower will likely open up in a matter of days, if not hours. Experts are closely monitoring it and promise that, as soon as it starts to bloom, they will let us know.
A one-of-a-kind flower
According to specialists with the US' Cornell University, this species is native to rainforests in Sumatra. It's official name is Amorphophallus titanum, and it is one of the rarest flowers in the world.
Folks who have taken the time to study these flowers say that, although they do not bloom all that often, they more than make up for the lost time when they finally decide to open up and let people have a look inside them.
Before blooming, corpse flowers grow to impressive sizes. For instance, the one kept inside Cornell University's greenhouse measured a whopping 74.75 inches (192.4 centimeters) in height this past November 18.
Just to put things into perspective, it need be said that, on October 23, it stood merely 20.4 inches (approximately 51.8 centimeters) tall. What this means is that the flower pretty much tripled in size in less than a month.
Specialists say that, soon enough, the flower's outer layers will begin to peel off. Shortly after, its bloom will open and the plant will saturate the air around it with a stench that can only be described as downright disgusting and stomach-turning.
To spread this stench as far as possible, the plant will become warmer just before its bloom, Live Science informs. In the wild, this unbearable stench that it unleashes when blooming helps the corpse flower attract all sorts of insects that pollinate it.
A short-lived bloom
The somewhat good news is that the corpse flower looked after by Cornell University researchers and students will not have all that much time at its disposal to stink up the entire town. Thus, its bloom will only last for about 24 hours, maybe 48.
It is understood that, when it last bloomed back in March 2012, the plant remained open for less than two days. During this time, thousands of people flocked to the University's greenhouse hoping to catch a glimpse of it. Needless to say, many had no choice but try and breathe through their mouth during the entire visit.
Presently, the greenhouse that serves as a home for this corpse flower is only open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, when the flower finally opens, visiting hours will be extended. It is still unclear whether breathing masks will be provided to those bold enough to venture anywhere near the bloom of this bizarre plant.
To get a better idea of what a corpse flower looks like when it opens up, check out the video below. The footage was shared with the public by researchers with Cornell University and it documents the flower's 2012 bloom.
