Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Geelong corpse flower Pete prepares for a brief, smelly bloom
Geelong Botanic Gardens is preparing for Pete, a 13-year-old corpse flower, to bloom, possibly as early as Sunday.
At 178cm tall, Pete is nearly twice the size of Betsy, another corpse flower that bloomed at the gardens in 2024.
The flower is expected to last just 24 to 48 hours once it opens.
Corpse flowers are native to Sumatra, Indonesia, where they are endangered, and can take a decade to flower.
Their smell mimics a dead animal, attracting insects that help pollinate them during their short bloom.
The event draws visitors, and the gardens say Pete may be smellier than the smaller Betsy.
People can watch Pete on a 24-hour live stream if they cannot visit Geelong.
Pete, a 13-year-old corpse flower at Geelong botanic gardens, is expected to bloom as early as Sunday.
The plant is 178cm tall and nearly twice the size of Betsy, which bloomed at the gardens in 2024.
When it opens, Pete is expected to release a smell like rotting flesh and remain in bloom for only 24 to 48 hours.
The flower’s scent mimics a dead animal to attract pollinators.
- Who
- Pete, a 13-year-old corpse flower at Geelong botanic gardens.
- What
- Pete is preparing to bloom, an event expected to produce a strong smell and last 24 to 48 hours.
- When
- As early as Sunday; the article was published on 14 November 2026.
- Where
- Geelong botanic gardens, Australia.
- Why
- The flower’s scent mimics a dead animal to attract insects that help with pollination.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Betsy bloomed at Geelong botanic gardens.
Pete broke through the soil.
Pete is expected to unfurl and begin its brief bloom.
- Height
- 178cm
- Age
- 13 years old
- Expected bloom duration
- 24 to 48 hours
- Previous Geelong bloom
- Betsy, in 2024
- Expected opening
- As early as Sunday
What people are saying
We’re assuming that it’s going to be a lot smellier this year, because it’s a bigger plant, bigger flower.
I don’t know any other plant that draws the attention of people like this.