Corpse Flower Fails to Bloom On Own; Forced Open by Scientists

The unveiling just could not match the hype.

“Spike,” the so-called corpse flower on display at the Chicago Botanic Garden during much of August, did not bloom on his own, instead having to have been forced open by a group of scientists on Sunday.

But “hundreds of curious visitors” still waited up to 45 minutes to see the plant that day, according to the Glencoe News.

“The plant never opened to showcase its tan and purple leaves,” according to the News report. “Instead, botanic garden scientists, after waiting more than a week, decided to cut around the base of the plant to open Spike on their own.”

Related: Corpse Flower on Display at Chicago Botanic Garden

Originally thought to have been on scheduled to bloom more than a week ago, it is believed Spike just did not have enough energy.

“It’s disappointing that it didn’t open because it’s really quite splendid,” said Chicago Botanic Garden conservation scientist Patrick Herendeen, who narrated the opening to the crowd. “They’re amazing plants. Their flowers are amazing and their odor is amazing. However, this is not unprecedented. It just didn’t perform as expected. But that’s just like our garden plants at home.”

But Spike is not dead, and is expected to bloom next time - which could be 7-10 years, equal to how long it felt for some waiting for it in August.

more via the Glencoe News