A botanical spectacle is underway this month at Como Park, promising a unique olfactory experience for visitors.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, nestled in St. Paul, braces for an influx of curious onlookers eager to catch a whiff of decaying flesh.
Dubbed “Horace,” the Corpse Flower is poised to unveil its rare and potent bloom, a momentous occasion marking the plant’s inaugural flowering since its introduction to Como in 2019.
Enthusiasts can witness this extraordinary phenomenon up close in Como’s Exhibit Gallery, which welcomes guests daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For those unable to attend in person, a livestream broadcasts the event, inviting intrigued viewers to observe as Horace unfurls its colossal, unbranched inflorescence while emitting its signature scent reminiscent of rotting flesh.
Originating from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the Corpse Flower faces endangerment, with fewer than 1,000 specimens remaining in the wild.
“The life cycle of this endangered plant is as captivating as it is peculiar, characterized by a prolonged period of dormancy succeeded by the emergence of a towering leaf that can reach heights of up to 15 feet,” Como Park shares. “At the opportune moment, the plant unveils its notorious flower, alluring carrion fly pollinators with its warmth and aroma.”
