Giant Corpse Flower on display at Franklin Park Zoo

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Venue:	Franklin Park Zoo - Zoo New England
Ages:	Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Outdoor
Cost:	$$ see below
Category:	Sporting Events

Visitors to Franklin Park Zoo may have a rare opportunity to see a titan arum in bloom in what could be unique experience to see this giant of the plant world on full display. (You can check for bloom updates here).

The plant, which can be seen in the Outback Trail section of the zoo, is expected to bloom soon, although this cannot be predicted with absolute certainty.

Franklin Park Zoo is home to four corpse flowers, but the one in the Outback Trail (affectionately nicknamed 'Fester' by staff) is the only one on public display. 'Fester' previously bloomed in 2012 and 2014.

Called the Amorphophallus titanum — better known as a 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. Fester is currently 4 feet tall.

Titan arums are very sensitive plants and conditions must be just right for them to bloom. These plants are noted for rapid growth particularly as they near bloom, which can be 4 to 5 inches a day.

Originating from Sumatra, the corpse flower has demanding environmental requirements. 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.

At this stage, it is difficult to predict exactly when, or if, Fester will bloom, so we suggest that those interested follow the plant’s development (#BloomWatch) through the Zoo’s Twitter and Instagram account (@zoonewengland) or Facebook (franklinparkzoo) in order to stay updated on this dynamic process and not miss the short bloom period.

Visitors hoping to see the corpse flower must purchase tickets to the Zoo in advance, for a designated day and time. Full details on our FAQ page.

COST

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purchase tickets: Adult: $18.95 Senior (62+): $16.95 Child (ages 2-12): $12.95 Children under 2: Free Members: Free

WEBSITE

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www.zoonewengland.org/bloomwatch

LOCATION

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One Franklin Park Road, Dorchester, MA map
Phone: 617-541-5466