“Decaying Attraction: Why Crowds Are Drawn to the Disturbingly Sweet Stench of Corpse Flower”

Have you ever wanted to queue up for a whiff of something that smells like—well—death? Well, the infamous corpse flower has made its grand appearance at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and locals are lining up to take a deep breath of its pungent aroma! This rare and rarely blooming plant, which has been practically silent since it took root back in 2018, has folks asking: why do we adore a good stink? Is it the thrill of experiencing nature’s oddities, or perhaps a peculiar fascination with the macabre? No matter your motivation, one thing’s for sure: this flower’s short-lived bloom is a must-see—or must-smell—event! So, would you be brave enough to join the ranks of curious noses? LEARN MORE

A very rare and very stinky plant, known commonly as the corpse flower, drew long lines at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as locals sought to get a whiff, with the bloom occurring for the first time since it arrived in 2018 and only lasting a few days before it collapses. What do you think?

“What else does a plant have to do to tell people it wants to be left alone?”

Robbie McRae, Systems Analyst

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“I never pass up an opportunity to stand in a line.”

Fred Akers, Merchandise Critic

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“What a great place to hide a corpse.”

Lori Seegers, Pastry Historian