A botanical marvel, the Amorphophallus titanum, renowned as the “Corpse Flower,” has taken center stage at Walter Andersen Nursery in Poway, drawing astonishment from onlookers.
Witnessing the remarkable growth, exclamations of “Wow! Wow! And so it’s grown that big” have become commonplace upon encountering the Corpse Flower.
Guiding enthusiasts through this spectacle is David Ross, a senior manager at Walter Andersen’s in Poway, who sheds light on the plant’s journey. “This was grown from a seed in early 2017; we acquired it in 2018, and this marks its inaugural blooming year,” Ross elucidated.
Embarking on an arborescent existence during its initial 7 or 8 years, the Corpse Flower commences as a diminutive 6 to 12 inches tall as a fledgling. Displaying an annual cycle of growth and decay, it stores energy in its bulb, which ultimately fuels its blooming phase—an anticipation Ross addresses.
“Initially, I expected it to unfurl yesterday; however, I now speculate it will likely occur tomorrow or the following day,” Ross projected, attributing the deceleration to the cooler and overcast conditions spurred by Hilary.
Ross remains optimistic about a near-term bloom as the weather turns warmer. “With the forthcoming increase in temperature, we anticipate it to blossom in the upcoming days,” Ross remarked.
Ordinarily, such captivating spectacles are reserved for fee-based locations. Diverging from the norm, Walter Andersen Nursery in Poway welcomes visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering complimentary access to witness this remarkable Corpse Flower.
Prepare to encounter an unconventional aroma once the bloom unfolds. Ross clarified, “It’s dubbed a corpse flower due to its ability to entice pollinators through the scent of decaying flesh.”
A far cry from the customary nectar-like fragrances we are accustomed to. “To a fly, it exudes a sweet nectar fragrance. The allure depends on the target audience,” Ross remarked.
The ephemeral nature of the bloom warrants attention—once opened, it shall endure merely a couple of days. Ross noted a potential extension of operating hours if the bloom coincides with the evening. “When it unfurls, and if it happens during the evening, we’re likely to extend our operational hours on that particular day, enabling more people to witness it,” Ross affirmed.
For those unable to experience the spectacle in person, a live stream is offered on Walter Andersen Nursery’s Facebook page—a compelling alternative, although an in-person encounter is strongly recommended.
