The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) recently witnessed a historic event: the blooming of an Amorphophallus gigas, commonly known as the corpse flower. This marked the first time this particular species had bloomed in New York City, adding to the prestige of the BBG and drawing large crowds eager to witness this rare spectacle. The plant, affectionately nicknamed “Smelliot” by the garden staff, lived up to its moniker, releasing a pungent odor reminiscent of decaying flesh. This unusual scent, while unpleasant to human noses, serves a crucial purpose in the corpse flower’s natural habitat, attracting pollinators like flies and beetles that are typically drawn to the smell of carrion.
The Amorphophallus gigas, native to Sumatra, is a remarkable plant in several aspects. Its sheer size is striking, with the flower capable of reaching impressive heights. The blooming itself is an infrequent occurrence, with some plants taking up to a decade to produce a flower. This rarity, combined with the plant’s intriguing aroma and unusual appearance, contributes to the significant attention it garners whenever it blooms. The BBG’s successful cultivation and blooming of the Amorphophallus gigas underscores the institution’s commitment to botanical research and conservation, as only a handful of botanical gardens worldwide have achieved this feat.
The anticipation leading up to Smelliot’s blooming was palpable among the BBG staff. They had observed telltale signs, including a slowing of the plant’s vertical growth and the emergence of a faint, yet unmistakable, foul odor. These indicators signaled the imminent arrival of the bloom, prompting the garden to prepare for the influx of visitors eager to witness this unique botanical event. The staff’s meticulous care and observation of the plant over the seven years since its arrival at the BBG played a vital role in its successful blooming.
The blooming of the corpse flower is a fleeting spectacle. Within a few days of opening its petals and releasing its potent aroma, the flower begins to wilt and eventually collapses. This brief window of opportunity further amplifies the public’s desire to experience the plant in its full glory, contributing to the increased foot traffic at the BBG during the blooming period. The garden staff expertly managed the influx of visitors, ensuring that everyone had a chance to observe Smelliot while also maintaining the integrity of the plant and its environment.
While the Amorphophallus gigas is the star of this particular event, it’s worth noting that the BBG has a history with its close relative, the Amorphophallus titanium. This similarly stinky plant bloomed at the BBG in 2006, marking the first time that species had bloomed in seven decades. The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx also witnessed the blooming of an Amorphophallus titanium in 2023, demonstrating the growing success of cultivating these rare and challenging plants. While both species share the characteristic foul odor, the Amorphophallus gigas is considered rarer in cultivation, further highlighting the significance of its blooming at the BBG.
The blooming of Smelliot, the Amorphophallus gigas, at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the garden’s staff. This remarkable event, a first for New York City, attracted considerable public interest and provided a unique opportunity for people to experience the fascinating world of botany. The short-lived nature of the bloom, coupled with the plant’s rarity, further emphasized the significance of the event. The BBG’s success in cultivating and showcasing this unusual plant underscores its role as a leading institution in botanical research and public education. The story of Smelliot serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity and wonder of the plant kingdom, capturing the imagination of both scientists and the public alike.
