Rare corpse flower to bloom at URI for first time in 13 years

KINGSTON, R.I. — One of the world’s most unusual and fascinating plants is preparing to bloom right here in Rhode Island.

The University of Rhode Island’s Department of Plant Sciences & Entomology is closely monitoring a rare corpse flower (Titan arum) that is expected to open within the next week to 10 days inside the Horridge Conservatory. It will be the first time a corpse flower has bloomed on the Kingston campus in more than 13 years.

Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, the corpse flower is famous for producing the largest flowering structure in the world. It’s also known for its distinctive odor, which resembles decaying flesh and helps attract the insects responsible for pollination.

According to URI greenhouse manager Ben Robbins, predicting the exact bloom date is never easy, but current estimates suggest the flower could open sometime within the next 7 to 12 days. Once it does, visitors will only have a short window to see it, as the bloom typically lasts just one to two days before fading.

The bloom is expected to draw plant enthusiasts, students, families, and curious visitors eager to witness one of nature’s rarest spectacles.

Those unable to visit in person can follow the flower’s progress through a URI livestream, while the conservatory remains open to the public weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6 Greenhouse Road in Kingston. Admission is free, and URI says additional viewing hours may be announced as the bloom gets closer.

Have you ever seen a corpse flower bloom in person? Will you go see the URI corpse flower bloom?