Nature enthusiasts across the Treasure Coast are on high alert as an extremely rare botanical event unfolds in our own backyard. Staff at the McKee Botanical Garden are closely monitoring a corpse flower that could bloom at any moment, offering locals a unique, albeit highly pungent, experience.
The Titan Arum is one of the botanical world’s most remarkable spectacles; for many people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a bloom in person,
stated Rochelle Wolberg, executive director of McKee Botanical Garden.
Known scientifically as Amorphophallus titanum, the rare plant has been affectionately nicknamed Princess Pungent by garden staff. Its growth has been nothing short of explosive since its arrival.
Key details surrounding the local botanical event include:
While the signature foul odor has not yet been detected, officials note the plant is strengthening daily, spurred on by recent heavy Florida rains. For residents planning a visit, Princess Pungent is currently displayed along the pathway between the Volunteer Building and the Spanish Kitchen. Visitors entering through the pergola are instructed to follow the path and turn left.
Garden staff advise that the exact viewing location may shift as the bloom approaches, depending on the intensity of the odor and the overall visitor experience. Because the exact bloom time remains highly unpredictable, locals are encouraged to closely follow the garden’s social media updates before making the trip to witness this rare natural wonder.
