{"id":307452,"date":"2026-06-14T23:36:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T23:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/307452\/"},"modified":"2026-06-14T23:36:07","modified_gmt":"2026-06-14T23:36:07","slug":"rare-corpse-flower-could-bloom-at-any-moment-at-fort-pierce-botanical-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/307452\/","title":{"rendered":"Rare corpse flower could bloom at any moment at Fort Pierce Botanical Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) \u2014 A rare corpse flower could bloom at any moment at McKee Botanical Garden<\/a>, and staff say the timing remains unpredictable.<\/p>\n

Known scientifically as the Titan Arum<\/a> (Amorphophallus titanum), the plant is drawing steady attention as it inches closer to what could be a rare and dramatic bloom event.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Titan Arum is one of the botanical world’s most remarkable spectacles; for many people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a bloom in person,\u201d said Rochelle Wolberg, executive director of McKee Botanical Garden.<\/p>\n

Garden staff have nicknamed the plant \u201cPrincess Pungent<\/a>,\u201d and say it has been growing rapidly since arriving in May. What started as a 2-inch sprout has now grown to 41 inches in just 25 days.<\/p>\n

Individual plants typically take several years between blooms, and the flower itself lasts only about 24\u201348 hours once it opens, according to experts.<\/p>\n

See also: Vero Beach’s newest trophy home hits the market for a record-breaking $45M<\/a><\/p>\n

While no odor has been detected yet, staff say the plant continues to strengthen daily, especially after recent heavy rain.<\/p>\n

When it does bloom, the corpse flower is known for releasing a powerful scent resembling rotting flesh \u2014 a natural mechanism used to attract pollinators in the wild.<\/p>\n

The plant is currently on display along the pathway between the Volunteer Building and the Spanish Kitchen. Visitors entering through the pergola are instructed to follow the path and turn left.<\/p>\n

Officials say the display location could shift as bloom time approaches, depending on odor levels and visitor experience.<\/p>\n

Because the timing is unpredictable, the garden is encouraging the public to follow updates closely and check in frequently as anticipation builds.<\/p>\n

McKee Botanical Garden says it will continue posting updates<\/a> on social media as one of nature\u2019s rarest bloom events develops.<\/p>\n