Uncle Fester – Rare Corpse Flower Bloom Viewing

Vancouver’s stinkiest attraction is taking root for the summer, as Uncle Fester returns to Bloedel Conservatory. This year, suspense is building as we wait to see when it will unleash its infamous scent and if its bloom will surpass the huge, putrid flower that drew large crowds in 2018.

Amorphophallus titanum (commonly known as titan arum or corpse flower), is unpredictable and very rare. Most years, the tropical plant produces only a leaf, reaching up to 15 feet, to absorb energy from the sun.

But some years, an enormous flower spike – or spadix – will emerge, wrapped in a frilly, modified leaf called a spathe. The spathe unfolds, exposing small flowers that bloom in rings around its base that release scent molecules to signal their readiness for fertilization.

A powerful stench, similar to rancid or rotten meat, will emit from the open spathe in order to attract pollinator insects like carrion beetles and flesh flies that feed on dead animals. The flower wilts just one day after opening, before descending into dormancy again.

Following its first bloom, some plants can take up to a decade to flower again, though others may bloom every two to three years. 2018 marked a special year for Bloedel Conservatory as it played host to the first corpse flower ever to bloom in the province.

Tickets:

Regular Admission

Adult (19-64 years): $7.05
Senior (65+ years): $4.80
Youth (13-18 years): $4.80
Child (5-12 years): $3.55
Children (4 and under): Free
VBGA: Free

How to get tickets?

Buy Online

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