UPDATE:
Des Moines Botanical Garden say their rare Titan Arum began to bloom overnight, revealing dark red/purple petals. The rare plant is native to Indonesia, and is commonly called "Corpse Flower" because of it's strong stench, which is similar to rotting flesh.
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Des Moines Botanical Garden Horticulturist Derek Carwood says their Titan Arum, also known as "Corpse Flower" started showing signs weeks ago, that it was going to bloom. Word has spread, and people have been calling the Botanical Garden to learn more. Some are planning to drive hours to Des Moines to witness this unusual site.
The large plant is native to Sumatra, Indonesia, and typically only blooms every three-to-five years. It is known for it's bright purple color, and offensive odor. Some describe the odor as similar to rotting flesh, thus the name "Corpse Flower."
This bloom is the first of it's kind in Iowa, and was expected to peak late Wednesday night, but as of Noon Thursday, the wait continues.
Carwood says the odor will be intense late tonight and overnight, and less offensive Thursday. Staffers plan to do some hand pollinating, as part of an effort to spread the species, which is dying out in its natural habitat in Indonesia.
He expects the flower to last less than two days, then the entire structure will collapse. A leaf up to 15 feet tall will then emerge. He says the leaf produces sugars, then sends them to the corm (tuber) for storage. When the plant is ready to flower again, the corm goes dormant for up to four months.
The plant has a nickname, "Carrie" -short for "Carrion on My Wayword Son, " a play off the title of the popular 1970's song by the group Kansas.
(A Botanical Garden employee tells WHO-Radio News, they will have barf bags available for anyone, who becomes nauseated by the flower's odor)