Summary
A rare flowering plant known as the Amorphophallus cognac has bloomed at Auckland Zoo, attracting attention for its distinctive and unpleasant odor, reminiscent of rotting flesh. Reporter Karen Morris interviews Monica Lake, the Head of Zoo Environment, who explains that the plant emits this smell to attract specific pollinators, primarily flies, rather than bees.
The cognac plant typically blooms for two to three days, but this particular specimen has lasted for six days, likely due to favorable environmental conditions such as cooler temperatures and sufficient water. Originating from Southeast Asia, the cognac plant is also cultivated as a food crop in several countries, highlighting its ecological significance beyond its unusual scent. Visitors to the zoo are encouraged to experience this unique botanical phenomenon before the bloom fades.
Show Notes
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