There’s a new race to the stink at the Huntington Library. The powerful stench of the Library’s most recent blooming Corpse Flower, Stankosaurus Rex, which opened on July 5, has barefly dissipated when lo and behold two more Amorphophallus Titanum are preparing for their big moments.
The two new and rare blooms of the infamous and odiferous Corpse flower have been named “Green Boy and Stinkie” — a tribute to the Library’s most famous pair of paintings, “Blue Boy” by Thomas Gainsborough and “Pinkie” by Thomas Lawrence.
The two corpse flowers have begun gearing up for their big bloom. According to library officials, it’s impossible to know for sure, but it’s likely the pair will bloom sometime this week, as their growth has already begun to slow down.
Now the question is: Will they bloom on the same day?!
The Library’s 12th Amorphophallus titanum began its bloom on the evening of July 5 and peaked at about 4 a.m. July 6. It remained open most of the next day with the outer spathe (cabbage-like petal) finally closing back up around the spadix (greenish baguette), and the spadix finally collapsing.
The plants will be available to view in person at limited capacity and with masks required beginning Wed., July 21 in the Conservatory, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Until then, you can see them through the Conservatory window. Advance online reservations are required only on weekends and Monday holidays for visitors and Members but they are encouraged for faster check-in.
Meanwhile, interested flower fans can attach a clothespin to their nose and view Daily updates here.
