Como Park Conservatory in Minnesota is preparing for a unique botanical event with the blooming of a corpse flower named “Horace.” This rare plant is known for its off-putting aroma that may have spectators reaching for nose plugs. The conservatory is inviting visitors to witness this odorous event in person at the Exhibit Gallery every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a limited time.
For those who would rather observe from a distance, the conservatory has set up a livestream of the flower blooming. The corpse flower, amorphophallus titanum, can take several years to bloom, but the bloom itself is short-lived, lasting only 24-48 hours. The livestream allows people to witness this once-in-a-generation event and see the different stages the flower goes through during its brief bloom period.
Native to the rain forests of Sumatra, the corpse flower is known for its foul smell that attracts flesh flies and carrion beetles for pollination. After blooming, the plant develops bright red to orange fruits that are dispersed by animals. This rare and unique botanical event is not to be missed by true botany lovers, as it raises awareness about the importance of preserving endangered species and their habitats.
The conservatory is betting on a blooming extravaganza by May 19th, but the plant’s unpredictable nature adds an element of suspense to the event. The livestream provides a way for people to witness the flower blooming from the comfort of their own screens, without having to endure the strong odor that accompanies the bloom. This infrequent botanical event is a rare sight, and the conservatory hopes to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of preserving endangered species through showcasing Horace’s bloom.
The flowering plant, nicknamed “Horace,” has been at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St. Paul since 2019, and its upcoming bloom is generating excitement among visitors and botanical enthusiasts. The plant’s distinctive scent of rotting flesh may be off-putting to some, but the conservatory is encouraging people to witness this rare spectacle in person or through the livestream. The plant’s unique characteristics and short-lived bloom make this a once-in-a-lifetime event for those interested in botany and rare botanical occurrences.
As the corpse flower blooms and emits its distinctive and foul smell, visitors and viewers can witness the flower’s development and pollination process in real time. This botanical event highlights the importance of preserving endangered species and their habitats, while also showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of the natural world. By providing access to the bloom through a livestream, the conservatory is allowing people from around the world to experience this rare and fascinating event, even if they can’t be there in person.
