FUNKWATCH: Corpse flower “On The Bloom” at HMNS

Houston is experiencing a growing excitement as the rare and exotic corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is getting ready to bloom at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  The corpse flower is so named because of its strong, unpleasant odor – described as similar to rotting meat – when in bloom.

Over the last week the Museum has been posting updates on the flower’s growth on its blog, Facebook page, Flickr, and Twitter feed, and word on the street is that full  bloom will occur this weekend.  This is an extremely rare opportunity to see – but more importantly to smell – one of the rarest flowers in the world.  Named “Lois”, the HMNS flower has grown to 60″ in height since July 1st, when she measured 31″ – that’s one tall, potentially-stinky drink of water right there!

Lois is Houston’s newest celebrity – and probably the smelliest one, too.  She’s been featured in the Houston Chronicle, at KUHF Houston Public Radio, on KPRC Local 2 NBC, and the AP wire has picked up the story as well.  The Twitterverse is abuzz as people track her progress, and everyone is itching to get in line to see and smell what will be only the 29th blooming of this type of flower in the U.S., and only the 2nd ever in Texas (the first was at Stephen F. Austin State University in 2004).

Lois lives in Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Scientists.  Best estimates for her debut are Saturday July 10 or Sunday July 11.  You can follow her progress by checking in regularly at the HMNS blog, Facebook page, and Twitter account.  Lois is expected to remain in bloom for 2-3 days, so keep your eyes peeled, cover your nose and mouth, and dive in!

The HMNS is located at 5555 Hermann Park Dr. (map); call 713.639.4629 for inquiries.  The Butterfly Center is open Monday-Sunday 9 AM – 5 PM, with  last entry at 4 PM.  Ticket prices for the Butterfly Center are: $4 Members, $8 Adults, $7 Children 3-11 & Seniors (+62) & College Students (with valid ID).

You can see an online video lecture with museum horticulturist Zac Stayton, who provides additional information on Lois and (what I have dubbed) FUNKWATCH 2010.

Photos generously provided courtesy of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.