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Corpse Flower blooms at Mitchell Park Domes
It's a flower that doesn't exactly emit the prettiest smell. But that didn't keep people from seeking it out -- to see and smell.
MILWAUKEE - A flower that is native to Indonesia is blooming for the first time in years at the Mitchell Park Domes – and it's something you can not only see but smell!
"It is called the Titan Arum or the Corpse Flower," said Mary Braunreiter, horticulturist.
Corpse Flower at the Mitchell Park Domes
"It smells like a dumpster that hasn’t been taken out in weeks," said Gianna Holschbach, a Domes visitor.
The Corpse Flower, Amorphophallus titanum, emits a powerful odor, often described as rotting flesh, to attract pollinators such as flies. The flower only blooms for 2-3 days every 7-10 years.
The Corpse Flower began to bloom on Sunday. So Monday offers a rare opportunity to experience this unique plant.
Corpse Flower at the Mitchell Park Domes
"It’s super pungent, it does smell like something is rotting, and if you’re in the right spot, or the wrong spot I should say, you really catch exactly how pungent it is," said Elizabeth Updike, a Domes visitor. "It is 100 % as advertised."
"It was really cool to get the size in person, to get the smell, I mean people describe it as so much, but to experience yourself is really cool," Holschbach said.
"It’s kind of funny in a way because people are excited to come and smell this disgusting thing – which actually smells like dead rotting animals on the side of the road," Braunreiter said.
Corpse Flower at the Mitchell Park Domes
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The reason for the odor – like its name – may surprise you.
"And it’s there to attract flies because flies are the main insect that pollenate it. So instead of smelling beautiful and attracting butterflies and bees it smells putrid and attracts flies," Braunreiter said.
If you are enticed to get a whiff of death, you have missed the chance to smell this one. The Corpse Flower is not expected to bloom for at least three more years.
Mitchell Park Domes additional details
- Admission is $8 adult, $6 juniors, $5 students, free for kids under 5. Milwaukee County residents get discounted entry with ID.
- The Mitchell Park Domes will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday, closed Tuesday. Last entry is 4 p.m.
- Masks are still required inside the venue.
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