Stinky corpse flower "Dennis" in bloom at UW-Madison

MADISON (WITI) -- The Titan Arum plant began blooming inside UW-Madison's D.C. Smith Greenhouse around noon on Thursday, August 1 and should reach full bloom sometime Thursday evening.

It will remain in bloom for approximately 24 hours.

Due to its odor, which is reminiscent of the smell of a decomposing mammal, the titan arum is also known as the corpse flower, or corpse plant.

Johanna Oosterwyk, greenhouse director, said it bloomed for the first time when it was nine years old.

This is its second bloom.

The plant has been named "Dennis" in memory of Dr. Dennis Stimart, Professor of Floriculture, who passed away in 2010.

If someone wants to visit the plant, the greenhouse will be open until 9 p.m. on Thursday evening and all day on Friday.

UW-Madison had a web cam up on the flower for much of the day Thursday. CLICK HERE to view the webcam.