Rare corpse flower in bloom at San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers: photos

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — If you’ve ever wanted to smell a flower that’s scent has been compared to rotting flesh, this could be your chance. That’s right, a titan arum flower, more commonly known as a corpse flower, is currently in bloom at the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers.

The flower, which is named “Chanel,” began blooming Tuesday night. According to the Conservatory, the rare bloom of the corpse flower only lasts two days and smells strongest its first night.

“This rare, spectacular bloom will only last two days and on the first evening, Chanel will release a strong and pungent smell often compared to rotten flesh to attract pollinators,” the Conservatory wrote on Facebook.

Corpse flowers, according to the Conservatory, spend a year in dormancy before blooming, usually once every seven to 10 years. After a flower first blooms, it can bloom again every three to five years.

If you missed out on Tuesday’s peak pungency, don’t despair. The Conservatory has announced special daytime hours for Wednesday if you want to go and catch a nose-full of Chanel’s scent. There will be a special member hour Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. for early access.

Regular daytime admission Wednesday will run from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m. For tickets and more information, click here.