The Atlanta Botanical Garden is currently showcasing a rare and remarkable botanical event: the blooming of the African Corpse Flower, Pararistolochia goldieana. This is the first time since 2020 that this unusual plant, known for its powerful odor, has bloomed at the garden.
Native to Central Africa, the African Corpse Flower can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The flower is distinguished by its unique shape, resembling a saxophone, with a mottled purple to reddish throat. Its name is derived from the foul, rotting flesh-like smell it emits, which attracts pollinating flies.
This marks only the second time the African Corpse Flower has bloomed at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and it has done so with four simultaneous blooms this year. Horticulturist Derek Pinson, who works at the garden, noted the rarity of this occurrence. “I first detected the corpse flower by its stench,” Pinson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC).
Pinson explained that the blooming of the African Corpse Flower is an incredibly rare event. Since the first recorded bloom in 1922, there have been only seven documented blooming events of this species. “Experiencing this plant in bloom may well be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors,” Pinson said. “We have four flowers developing in succession rather than just one, providing a bit more precious time for those interested to come and see, and smell, this botanical wonder.”
The African Corpse Flower is often mistaken for the Titan Arum, another plant with a similar appearance and odor, which has also bloomed at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. However, the African Corpse Flower is significantly rarer than the Titan Arum.
The current blooms were planted in 2018 by Paul Blackmore, who oversees the garden’s Fuqua Conservatory. Mary Pat Matheson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, praised the efforts of the garden’s staff in a statement: “The fact that this rare and remarkable plant has bloomed here is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our professional horticulturists and curators. Their depth of knowledge about plants is unparalleled.”
Visitors interested in witnessing this extraordinary bloom are encouraged to visit soon, as the flowers are expected to be on display for only a few more days.
