This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/a-rare-corpse-flower-that-emits-smell-of-rotting-flesh-had-bloomed-for-the-first-time-in-11-years-nearly-1000-people-queue-up-to-catch-a-whiff-10399881.html

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
A rare 'corpse flower' that emits smell of rotting flesh had bloomed for the first time in 11 years: Nearly 1,000 people queue up to catch a whiff Rare 'corpse flower' blooms for the first time in 11 years
(35 minutes later)
A rare ‘corpse flower’ which emits the smell of rotting flesh is expected to attract thousands of people after it bloomed for the first time in 11 years. A rare "corpse flower" which emits the smell of rotting flesh is expected to attract thousands of people after it bloomed for the first time in 11 years.
The titan arum flowered yesterday afternoon at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. The titan arum flowered on Saturday afternoon at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Lasting for just two days, the flower emits its smell – described as “rotten eggs” and a “dead donkey” – to attract pollinators.Lasting for just two days, the flower emits its smell – described as “rotten eggs” and a “dead donkey” – to attract pollinators.
Nearly 1,000 people queued up to catch a whiff of the smell in the first four hours after the flower bloomed, the BBC reports.Nearly 1,000 people queued up to catch a whiff of the smell in the first four hours after the flower bloomed, the BBC reports.
The 'Titan arum' flowers only once, for 48 hours, and smells of rotting meat, hence its common name of ‘corpse flower’ (PA) Many more are expected, with the garden staying open until 10pm tonight to meet demand.The 'Titan arum' flowers only once, for 48 hours, and smells of rotting meat, hence its common name of ‘corpse flower’ (PA) Many more are expected, with the garden staying open until 10pm tonight to meet demand.
A live webcam which has been streaming footage of the foul-smelling plant crashed several times as enthusiasts logged in to view its progress over the last week.A live webcam which has been streaming footage of the foul-smelling plant crashed several times as enthusiasts logged in to view its progress over the last week.
The flower – full name Amorphophallus titanum – has taken its time to open and been nicknamed “Tiny Titan” as it is much smaller than other in its species.The flower – full name Amorphophallus titanum – has taken its time to open and been nicknamed “Tiny Titan” as it is much smaller than other in its species.
It emits its smell mainly during the night by heating itself up to 40C.It emits its smell mainly during the night by heating itself up to 40C.
 
Professor Beverley Glover, director of the garden, told the BBC: “The heat helps to distribute sulphurous compounds - the atrocious stench - across vast distances in its native Sumatra to lure its pollinators, thought to be carrion beetles and blowflies.Professor Beverley Glover, director of the garden, told the BBC: “The heat helps to distribute sulphurous compounds - the atrocious stench - across vast distances in its native Sumatra to lure its pollinators, thought to be carrion beetles and blowflies.
"The stink, which comes in pulses through the night, has been described as being like 'rotten eggs', 'dead donkey', 'dirty laundry' and 'smelly feet'.”"The stink, which comes in pulses through the night, has been described as being like 'rotten eggs', 'dead donkey', 'dirty laundry' and 'smelly feet'.”