Written by Victoria Woollaston
Published: 09:41 AM EDT, May 12, 2014 | Updated: 09:45 AM EDT, May 12, 2014
The Titan arum, known as the world’s largest and most pungent flower, has recently blossomed at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Standing at an impressive height of 9 feet and 3 inches (2.8 meters), this rare plant is anticipated to remain alive for the next two days only. Despite falling just 3.5 inches short of breaking the Eden Project’s record for the tallest Titan arum, it is a sight to behold for visitors and experts like Tim Grigg.
The latest Titan to bloom at Eden is the ninth overall, but it stands out as the first one to bloom twice. Typically, Titan arums have a lifespan of seven to 10 years, blooming for just 48 hours before wilting. This particular plant, which measured 9ft 6.5in (2.9 metres), broke the record in 2011 as the largest Titan ever seen at Eden.
Back in 2011, a Titan in Eden earned the coveted title of being the largest ever, standing tall at 9ft 6.5in (2.9 meters). However, the world record is still held by a flower from New Hampshire that towered at an impressive 10ft 2in (3.1 meters) in 2010. Eden, as seen in the picture, is preparing to add a ‘stinky step’ for visitors to have a unique opportunity to experience the flower up close.