The giant Corpse Flower; courtesy Huntington Botanical Gardens

Editor’s note, 6/23: The Pasadena Star-News reports that the Corpse Flower, aka Son of Stinky, keeled over dead yesterday, so if you didn’t get to the Huntington already, you’ve missed your chance. There is, however, hope for Son of Son of Stinky in a few years…..

Breaking news from San Marino: The very rare Amorphophallus titanum, aka the Corpse Flower, broke into bloom yesterday afternoon at the Huntington Gardens. This is a much bigger deal than you might think — blooms have happened only twice in the last decade, and they last only a few days. The current flower, a native of the Sumatran rain forest, is the offspring of the Huntington’s original Corpse Flower, named Stinky. Stinky bloomed twice in its life; this new flower, dubbed Son of Stinky, is just experiencing its first bloom.

The Latin name of the flower refers to its decidedly phallic appearance, but its everyday name refers to its stench, which has been likened to that of a dead human body. If you miss the bloom, don’t worry — you can enjoy (!) the smell at any time.

Members of the Huntington get a first peek at the bloom tonight, Thursday, June 18th, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.; they’ll get the same special access Friday and Saturday night, too. Non-members can see it during (the more crowded) regular visiting hours in the next two days, or as long as the bloom lasts.

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino
626.405.2100, huntington.org