Rare Corpse Flower Poised to Bloom at Colorado State University
Colorado State University's College of Agricultural Sciences' Conservatory in Fort Collins is preparing for the first bloom of its rare corpse flower, known scientifically as Amorphophallus titanum and nicknamed Cosmo. Managed by Plant Growth Facilities Manager Tammy Brenner, Cosmo has been nurtured for seven years and is expected to bloom around Memorial Day weekend. The bloom, characterized by its distinctive foul odor similar to decaying flesh, attracts pollinators such as carrion beetles and flies.
The public will have the opportunity to view and smell Cosmo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day the flower is in bloom. Although the bloom is anticipated to start around May 25, the exact date remains uncertain until the process begins. This event marks the first blooming of a corpse flower at CSU, a significant occurrence given the plant's rarity and infrequent blooming cycle of every three to five years. Fewer than 1,300 of these plants are estimated to remain in the wild, making this bloom a notable event for both the university and the local community.
