Eww, What's That Smell? Corpse Flower to Bloom at the Botanic Garden This Weekend

It's perhaps one of the most disgusting smells on the planet, and people will be lining up to get a whiff this weekend as the aptly named "corpse flower" is expected to bloom.

Amorphophallus titanum is a beautiful tropical plant with a not-so-beautiful smell. The plant has a long life cycle that results in a bloom that happens just once every four to five years, and you'll be able to catch a glimpse at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., when it is expected to bloom between July 28-31, according to Smithsonian.com. Or, if you'd rather avoid the smell, you can watch the webcam instead.

The bloom only lasts between 24 to 36 hours before it is gone, not to be seen again for years. But when it does bloom, it's quite the sight. Lots of tiny flowers are gathered on the flower's spadix, or stem, during the bloom. The flower's massive stamen begins to shoot upward before the petals finally burst open, revealing a deep purple -- and an unbearable stench that attracts insects that can pollinate the plant.

The U.S. Botanic Garden, which is located a block southwest from the U.S. Capitol, is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, including all weekends and holidays.

Image via U.S. Botanic Garden