The Corpse Flower’s Cousin is Blooming in Brooklyn: Prepare for the Stench!

Brooklyn is buzzing, and not in a good way. A rare plant from the infamous corpse flower family is currently blooming—and it’s bringing its signature foul odor along for the ride. The Amorphophallus konjac, a close relative of the notorious Amorphophallus titanum, has taken center stage at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. But what makes this plant so unique? And why does it smell like death? Let’s dive in.

What is the Amorphophallus Konjac?

Known for its striking appearance and even more striking smell, the Amorphophallus konjac is a member of the Araceae family. While it’s not as large as its infamous cousin, the corpse flower, it shares many of the same characteristics, including its pungent aroma designed to attract pollinators like carrion beetles and flies.

• Appearance: The plant features a single, deep purple spathe (a modified leaf) that surrounds a spadix, which houses its tiny flowers.
• Blooming Cycle: It blooms infrequently, sometimes taking years between flowerings, making it a rare and exciting event for botany enthusiasts.
• Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, the plant is often grown for its starchy corm, which is used in traditional foods and health products.

Why Does It Smell So Bad?

The Amorphophallus konjac emits a smell reminiscent of rotting flesh, earning it the nickname “voodoo lily.” This odor is a clever evolutionary trick to attract pollinators that are typically drawn to decaying matter. The scent is strongest during the first few hours of blooming, so visitors to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are in for a truly unforgettable experience.

While the smell might be off-putting to humans, it’s a survival mechanism for the plant. Without this foul aroma, it would struggle to reproduce in the wild.

What’s Happening at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden?

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is no stranger to rare and exotic plants, but the blooming of the Amorphophallus konjac is a special event. Garden staff are encouraging visitors to come and witness this natural phenomenon—though they might want to bring a handkerchief to cover their noses.

1. Timing: The bloom typically lasts only 24-48 hours, so timing is crucial for those who want to experience it firsthand.
2. Location: The plant is on display in the Steinhardt Conservatory, where visitors can get up close and personal with this smelly spectacle.
3. Educational Programs: The garden is offering special talks and tours to educate the public about the plant’s unique biology and ecological role.

Why Should You Care?

Beyond the novelty of its stench, the Amorphophallus konjac is a fascinating example of nature’s ingenuity. It’s a reminder of the incredible diversity of plant life and the clever strategies plants use to survive and thrive. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter—how many people can say they’ve smelled a flower that reeks of death?

What Do You Think?

• Would you brave the smell to see this rare plant in person?
• Do you think plants like this should be showcased in public gardens, or are they too off-putting?
• Is it ethical to grow and display plants that rely on such strong odors to survive?
• Could the popularity of plants like this overshadow less “exciting” but equally important species?
• Should more efforts be made to conserve rare plants like the Amorphophallus konjac, even if they’re not particularly useful to humans?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’re in Brooklyn, don’t miss your chance to experience this smelly marvel for yourself.