Blooming disgusting: Corpse plant to reveal flower power

One of the biggest and smelliest plants in the world is about to bloom in a greenhouse in Binghamton, New York.

The Amorphophallus titanum's common name, corpse flower, tells you what to expect in the way of odour and it is certainly "titanum" or giant, standing about three metres high.

The plant is native to western Sumatra where it thrives in openings in the rainforest canopy. It isn't quite material for a charming flower border planting given its size but also the fact that typically it only flowers once every five to 30 years.

They must be doing something special in the EW Heier Teaching Greenhouse at Binghamton University – State University of New York – where the plant named Metis lives.

Horror film

It was imported as a seed from Indonesia and started to grow like crazy as soon as it arrived at Binghamton. It bloomed for the first time in 2010 and again in 2013 and is expected to show its stuff by blooming some time on Wednesday.

Outside “leaves” fell away late last week, the equivalent of its water breaking, according to the garden.

After its 2013 outing its corm weighed in at about 22kg but earlier this year it reached a hefty 43kg. For those familiar with the horror film Day of the Triffids, this looks like a plant you should not turn your back on.

“It is clear from its tremendous growth rate that Metis favours this particular spot in the Tropical Room,” said Laurie Bell, greenhouse manager.

In keeping with common practice, when the Amorphophallus titanum is kept in captivity it is named after a Titan from Greek mythology – Metis, the goddess of learning and teaching.