Rare And Horrifying 'Corpse Flower' Is Blooming In San Diego

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As October ends, a terrifying and rare flower is blooming in San Diego County.

The huge Amorphophallus titanum flower, commonly known as the "corpse flower," is expected to reach peak bloom at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the bloom of the corpse flower is a rare event since it takes seven to 10 years to produce its first bloom. After, it only blooms every four to five years.

The fully bloomed corpse flower only lasts for 48 hours before it fades, so when the corpse flower arrives, it's a must-see.

The last time the corpse flower bloomed at the San Diego Botanic Garden was in 2018.

Aside from being a natural rarity, the corpse flower also has a one-of-a-kind stench that has been described as rotting flesh that's been sitting out in the sun for several days.

According to FOX5, the foul scent it gives off is to attract carcass-eating insects that pollinate it.

To see the corpse flower, you can visit the San Diego Botanic Garden. Entry to the conservatory where the 14-year-old flower sits is included in garden admission.

Children can also see it for free with an adult ticket purchase in October as part of Kids Free San Diego.

If you can't make it to the garden this week, the plant can also be viewed on the garden's 24-hour live stream.


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