US (KS): Corpse flower blooming at SC greenhouse

The corpse flower at Southwestern College's greenhouse was open this weekend. A steady stream of visitors went to the greenhouse Friday afternoon and evening to see the plant, according to Bryon Rinke, who runs it along with emeritus professor Max Thompson.

According to Thompson, the flower started opening at about noon Friday. He said it was opening at a rate of an inch every 15 minutes. The inside of the plant is purple. Thompson said the colour can vary from lime green to purple.

The plant itself is now 55 inches tall, Thompson said. When the flower is completely open, the petals will lie flat, and the spadix, the tall centre part of the plant, will be about 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

The very stinky odour, said to be like that of a decaying body, was already evident Friday evening as were the flies attracted to it. The flies are necessary for the plant's pollination. Fresh mint or lemon grass held under your nose will alleviate the smell.

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