Feb 21 • 19:00 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia Guardian Australia

Let a thousand stinky blossoms bloom: how Australia became the world’s corpse flower destination

Australia has emerged as a significant location for corpse flowers, with multiple blooms recorded in various cities throughout 2025.

The corpse flower, known for its foul odor, is becoming increasingly common in Australia, with over a dozen blooms reported in 2025. Notable specimens such as Putricia in Sydney, Morpheus in Canberra, and Big Betty in Cooktown have contributed to this growing trend. Horticulture experts, like Matt Coulter, highlight that due to the frequency of blooming in Australia, the country is now one of the top three globally for the blooming of this unique plant. As these flowers bloom more regularly after their initial flowering, it raises public interest and opportunities for witnessing these rare events.

Adelaide has been identified as a surprising hub for cultivating corpse flowers, which are originally from the equatorial rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia. The hot and dry conditions in Adelaide have proven conducive to growing these endangered plants, allowing for better propagation and care. Experts believe that the number of corpse flowers blooming in Australia may continue to increase, especially as local gardens cultivate these plants more extensively. The implications of this growth not only enhance biodiversity but also have the potential to attract tourism and interest in botany.

The trend reflects a broader ecological interest in maintaining and nurturing unique plant species that capture public attention. With Australia's favorable growing conditions and the efforts of local botanic gardens, the corpse flower may soon become a common sight, changing the landscape of Australian horticulture. Observing these blooms can foster appreciation for environmental conservation and the significance of diverse ecosystems in Australia.

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