After 12 Years, Smelly 'Corpse Flower' Finally Blossoms At Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh In Scotland

One of the smelliest and tallest flowers in the world, the corpse flower, has blossomed in Scotland for the first time. The scent of the flower, scientifically named Amorphophallus titanium, has often been compared to that of rotting flesh.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE) has been nurturing the flower in a glass house for the last 12 years. The corpse flower is originally from the rainforests of western Sumatra, Indonesia. Visitors have been flocking to the RBGE to see the tall flower, which is placed on public display two or three days a week.

The flower is characterized by its foul smell and deep red color. Over the years, it has just produced seven leaves, but never any flowers -- until last Friday.

The horticulturist at the RBGE, Sadie Barber, expressed thanks for all the hard work that the team put into cultivating the plant for 12 years. Barber received the flower in 2003, from Hortus Botanicus, Netherlands.

"At its peak in the glass house it actually made our eyes water," said Barber, in a statement. "It really is one of the most extraordinary flowering plants we have ever seen, and great to think that something that grows naturally so far away can be enjoyed by visitors to the garden here in Edinburgh."

The plant weighs around 153.9 kilograms (about 339 pounds) and the spadix, or the central column, of the flower measures just under 9 feet tall. Authorities say the plant should grow higher in the coming days.

“The full bloom only lasts one or two days, so visitors should hurry to catch the spectacle while they can," added Barber.