Corpse Flower Expected to Bloom at Franklin Park Zoo
| Venue: | Franklin Park Zoo - Zoo New England |
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| In/Outdoor: | Indoor |
| Cost: | Free see below |
| Category: | Special Events |
Visitors to Franklin Park Zoo are about to get a rare opportunity to see a titan arum in bloom in what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see this giant of the plant world on full display.Called the Amorphophallus titanum — (better known as titan arum or 'corpse flower' due to its production of a very pungent aroma like that of a rotting carcass), these are among the most gigantic of flowers – blooms are potentially 9 feet in height and 6 feet across.
The plant at the zoo is expected to bloom any day now, and is already starting to put out a strong aroma (although the bloom can not be predicted with absolute certainty).
A greenhouse with humidity and temperature controls has been constructed to accommodate this enormous plant. Once the plant is in bloom, visitors will be able to walk through this space located near Serengeti Crossing.
This rarely observed blooming phenomenon often goes many years between blooms which last for only 24-48 hours. In the wild, these plants are scattered and the pungent smell can attract pollinators from quite a distance away.
Starting Saturday, June 16 (and each morning the plant is in bloom) the zoo's greenhouse will open between 8:00 a.m. -9:30 a.m. for flower viewing only, free of charge. The greenhouse will close briefly at 9:30 a.m. with viewing reopening at 10:00 a.m. to all zoo guests (regular admission applies.)
The Zoo will also stay open until 8:00 p.m beginning on Saturday and each night the flower is in bloom. The animals will not be on exhibit at this time and visitors can only enter via the Zebra entrance.
The plant will also be on public display throughout regular Zoo hours and regular Zoo admission must be paid during normal business hours. Be sure to regularly check the Facebook at www.facebook.com/franklinparkzoo and follow us on Twitter (@zoonewengland) for details on growth and anticipated viewing times.
The titan arum was generously donated to the zoo by Dr. Louis Ricciardiello, an oral surgeon in Laconia, New Hampshire, who has been growing and cultivating these plants for many years.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
Starting Saturday, June 16 (and each morning the plant is in bloom) the zoo's greenhouse will open between 8:00 a.m. -9:30 a.m. for flower viewing only, free of charge. The greenhouse will close briefly at 9:30 a.m. with viewing reopening at 10:00 a.m. to all zoo guests (regular admission applies.)
| COST | ↑ top |
Free between 8:00am - 9:30am. After 10:00am Regular Zoo Admission applies.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
www.zoonewengland.org/page.aspx?pid=690
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
One Franklin Park Road, Dorchester, MA map
Phone: 617-541-5466
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Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Corpse Flower Expected to Bloom at Franklin Park Zoo before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...