How a corpse plant makes its terrible smell − it has a strategy, and its female flowers do most of the work

By: Delphine Farmer, Colorado State University; Mj Riches, Colorado State University, and Rose Rossell, Colorado State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 22, 2025

Words: 1,496

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

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By Delphine Farmer, Colorado State University; Mj Riches, Colorado State University, and Rose Rossell, Colorado State University

Sometimes, doing research stinks. Quite literally.

Corpse plants are rare, and seeing one bloom is even rarer. They open once every seven to 10 years, and the blooms last just two nights. But those blooms – red, gorgeous and massive at over 10 feet (3 meters) tall – stink. Think rotting flesh or decaying fish.

Corpse plants definitely …

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