Why Does the Corpse Flower Smell So Bad?

The corpse flower uses its smell to attract sweat bees and beetles looking for a prime location to lay their eggs. By crawling all over the plant, these insects play a vital role in pollinating the Titan Arum. The plant's distinctive smell is just one of its tricks for attracting insects.

Does the corpse flower always smell?

Referred to as the corpse flower or stinky plant, its putrid smell is most potent during peak bloom at night into the early morning. The odor is often compared to the stench of rotting flesh. The inflorescence (a collection of flowers acting as one) also generates heat, which allows the stench to travel further.

Why does corpse flower smell bad?

They really have a mind of their own.” When fully open, a cluster of flowers in a corpse plant give off their unpleasant odor to attract pollinators such as carrion beetles and flies. The cherry-sized fruit is a bright orange to red, and becomes attractive to birds, which help disperse seeds.