Corpse flower ready to bloom in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON -- A giant rain forest plant known as a corpse flower for its terrible smell is set to bloom at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington.

Garden officials say the titan arum flower could bloom by Monday. And the bloom will only last 24 to 48 hours.

The garden is extending its hours to give visitors the chance to see the flower in full bloom - and to smell its scent of rotting flesh.

Scientists say the flower's strange odor serves to attract beetles for pollination.

This plant is about 10 years old, and this is its first flower. The last corpse flower to bloom at the Botanic Garden was in 2007.

Get more Lifestyle & Fun »

lifestyle & fun

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•