What's that smell? Muttart Conservatory's stinky corpse flower in bloom
Edmontonians have just a couple days to get a whiff of the foul-smelling flower
Edmonton's most infamous flower is raising a stink yet again.
Putrella, also known as the corpse flower, is in full bloom at the Muttart Conservatory. The gigantic blossom is named for its nasty smell. When blooming, it smells like rotting meat, diapers or even hot garbage.
The rare flower bloomed overnight and visitors are welcome to come get a whiff Saturday until 11 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., the city said in a media release.
Vents in the tropical pyramid at the Muttart have been "adjusted" to keep Putrella smelling particularly pungent for as long as possible, the city added.
The corpse flower is the largest flowering plant in the world and can grow as tall as 12 feet and weigh more than 170 lbs. Native to Sumatra, it takes years for the plant to conserve enough energy to bloom. In the wild, the reeking smell attracts carrion beetles, which carry its pollen to help the flower reproduce.
Those hoping to see and smell Putrella will have to hurry — its bloom only lasts a couple days.