ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) - A "corpse flower" is blooming for the first time in 11 years at the San Diego Botanic Garden in North County.
The flower got its nickname because it smells like a decaying corpse. Botanic garden managers describe it as filthy socks or dirty diapers with sickly sweetness.
'Amorphophallus titanum' rarely blooms in its 40-year life span and the odor is only apparent for about eight hours.
The plant is on loan from a Fullerton biological scientist who drove it down Interstate 5 in his Volkswagen Vanagon.
"Mr. Stinky", as gardeners call the Encinitas bloom, is halfway open and may fully bloom by Tuesday night.
Gardeners say the bloom is drawing flies.
The San Diego Botanic Garden is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
ADMISSION:
Adults $14
Seniors, students, active military $10
Children ages 3-12 $8
Members; children ages 2 & under FREE
Parking $2
