The stench returns because a second Corpse Flower is due to open in the Geelong Botanical Garden’s Conservatory on about Sunday or Monday.
Two of these amazing plants were donated from SA in 2021. They’re both the same age. The corm, which is like a bulb or roots, the underground storage for the plant, is shaped like a Jap Pumpkin. This plants corm is 17kg whereas the one 2 years ago was only about 11kgs. So this year’s flower is already larger than the last.
The Corpse flower is native to Sumatra and first flowers in 10-12 years, then every 5-7 years if in perfect conditions.
The flowers grow over 14 days, literally right before your eyes. It wilts after about 2 days. A good time to view it is at night because this is when it fires up ready to attract insects.
There will be extended hours for the conservatory but check the garden’s website and there is a livestream on http://www.geelong.link/GBG
Visit our 167 year old Gingko down the back. She’s the National Trust Victoria Tree of the year.
Photos on our Instagram & Facebook are of the flower from November 2024. This year’s bud & a Corpse Flower in leaf stage.
