One of the World’s Strangest Flowers Is About to Bloom in Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island's Horridge Conservatory could smell like rotting flesh soon and staff there couldn't be more excited.

For the first time in over a decade, a corpse flower is expected to bloom in the university's botanical greenhouse and you can watch it happen. Not only will the greenhouse be open to visitors for the rare experience, but the university has started a live stream for the massive flower too.

But don't lock yourself into your computer just yet.

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When Will URI's Corpse Flower Bloom?

According to Benjamin Robbins, URI's greenhouse manager, this particular corpse flower will likely bloom in 6-11 days, then be in full bloom just 1-2 days. As Robbins told URI's website, "these things are hard to predict."

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Though the when remains unclear, what will happen is pretty fascinating.

Why This Bloom Is So Rare

Seems corpse flowers (Titan Arum, Amorphophallus titanum) only bloom every five to seven years. Once the tall, cucumber-shaped flower opens, it gives off a rotting flesh smell that attracts pollinators like flies and beetles before the plant collapses under its own weight and starts the lengthy rest and recharge phase again.

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However if the plant does become pollinated, large, bright red-orange berries will begin to grow on it. Those berries contain a seed that can then be planted to grow more corpse flowers.

What Is a Corpse Flower?

Known largely as the tallest flower in the world, a corpse flower can grow to be 9-10 feet tall. Though URI's corpse flower doesn't seem that tall, it is a mighty specimen and should give off some serious scent when it blooms.

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Those brave enough to experience it for themselves are welcome to visit the Horridge Conservatory on the URI campus, open to the public weekdays from 8am to 4pm. Those who would rather see—but not smell—this rare blooming can watch online anytime.