Fetid ‘corpse flower’ about to bloom in Berkeley

Any day now, one of the world’s most extraordinary flowering structures is expected to open at the University of California Botanical Garden in Berkeley, garden officials said Sunday.

Maladora, a amorphophallus titanum plant, also known as a corpse flower, is expected to open for the second time. The first time was seven years ago.

Garden officials encourage residents and visitors to come see one of the largest inflorescences of any plant.

The plant was given the name “corpse flower” because when it opens it smells like rotting flesh. The smell lasts about a day, according to garden officials.

The garden has raised a cohort of amorphophallus titanum plants and about two years ago a different one named Trudy opened.

The UC Botanical Garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Maladora can be found in the Tropical House.