The Awful Smelling and Unique Corpse Flower Bloomed At The Toronto Zoo

September 23, 2020·26 min·2 clips

Discover why the corpse flower's awful smell draws crowds to see it bloom only every six to ten years.

This episode of the Toronto Zoo's Wild for Life podcast, hosted by marine conservation biologist Andrew Lewin, focuses on the rare and famously malodorous corpse flower. The guest is Claire Warden, the Lead Hand Gardener of the zoo's Tropical Collection, who provides expert insight into this botanical phenomenon. The conversation centers on a specific corpse flower that unexpectedly bloomed at the Toronto Zoo, generating significant public interest. The corpse flower, scientifically known as *Amorphophallus titanum*, is notable for blooming only once every six to ten years, with each bloom lasting a very short time. Claire Warden explains that the plant's infamous stench, often compared to rotting flesh, serves the specific biological function of attracting its primary pollinators: carrion beetles and flesh flies. The flower's unique structure includes a central spadix surrounded by a spathe, which heats up to help volatilize the foul-smelling compounds. The discussion details the zoo's careful monitoring of the plant for subtle signs, like a slowed growth rate, that indicate an impending bloom. When this particular bloom occurred, it drew large crowds of garden enthusiasts and curious visitors to the zoo to experience the rare event. The episode references the broader botanical collection at the Toronto Zoo, which host Andrew Lewin admits he is always learning from during his visits. A key insight is that the foul odor is not a flaw but a precise evolutionary adaptation to mimic a dead animal and attract specific pollinators. The fact that the bloom timing is unpredictable and requires vigilant observation by horticultural staff adds to its mystique and operational challenge. The episode highlights how a single, fleeting botanical event can capture public imagination and draw significant attention to a zoo's conservation and educational work. Andrew Lewin's personal admission that he loves plants but is "not a very good gardener" provides a relatable entry point for listeners less familiar with botany. The conversation underscores that plants, like animals, can exhibit dramatic and fascinating life cycles worthy of conservation focus. The tone is conversational, educational, and filled with genuine curiosity and enthusiasm from both the host and guest. The style is an accessible interview format, blending personal anecdote with expert botanical explanation. This episode is ideal for plant enthusiasts, home gardeners, or anyone fascinated by unusual natural history and the science behind unique adaptations. Listeners seeking fast-paced animal stories or highly produced narrative might find the focused botanical discussion too specialized.

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