Corpse flowers, those peculiar blooms with a strong, pungent scent, have become a sensation in Australia, attracting visitors eager to catch a whiff of their unique fragrance. But how did this country become the go-to destination for these rare plants? Let's explore the fascinating journey of Australia's corpse flower phenomenon.
Once vanishingly rare, corpse flowers are now becoming more common in Australia, with over a dozen blooming across the country in 2025. From Sydney's Putricia to Cairns' Spud, these plants are captivating locals and tourists alike. But what's the secret behind their increasing presence?
According to Matt Coulter, senior horticulture curator at the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, Australia boasts one of the highest flowering events in the world. The country is among the top three for the number of corpse flowers blooming, with plants reaching an age where they're likely to flower more frequently. Adelaide, known for its hot, dry summers, has become an unlikely hub for propagating these endangered plants from the equatorial rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Adelaide's Smellanie, one of three original plants grown from seeds acquired in 2006, has just finished its second flowering. Coulter has propagated many more from leaf cuttings and pollination, resulting in a collection of over 250 plants across different generations – the largest in Australia and possibly the world.
Corpse flowers are notoriously unpredictable, taking 10-12 years to produce their first flower, followed by intervals of three to five years. However, in some cases, it can be longer. The plants need to store enough energy in underground tubers, or 'corms,' which can grow up to 75kg. Even then, there's no guarantee, as the bud's fate is uncertain until it reaches 10-15 cm, and even then, the tuber's strength may not be enough to enable the flower to open.
Despite the challenges, Australia's corpse flower scene is thriving. Adelaide now has corpse flowers blooming every year, with some not on public display. Geelong's botanic gardens have four titan arums, including Betsy, which bloomed in November 2024, producing a pungent fragrance of decaying possum with parmesan cheese overtones. Sydney's Botanic Gardens have also seen success, with three flowers blooming last year, including Putricia, attracting nearly 27,000 visitors eager to catch a whiff of its unique scent.
Australia's fascination with corpse flowers extends beyond imported varieties. The country also has its own native corpse varieties, such as the elephant yam and cheeky yam, native to northern Australia. These native plants share a similar structure, including a central column or 'spadix,' and a distinctive rotting aroma, designed to attract pollinators like beetles and flies drawn to decaying organic matter.
As Australia continues to embrace its corpse flower culture, the question remains: when and where will the next corpse flower bloom? It's a combination of crystal ball gazing, scientific knowledge, and a bit of good luck.
