In a quiet corner of the Sydney Botanic Garden, a fascinating phenomenon is unfolding. Putricia, a rare corpse flower whose bloom lasts a mere 24-48 hours, is preparing to unfurl her purple petals for the first time in 15 years. But it’s not just the fleeting nature of this floral display drawing attention – it’s the stench. For when Putricia blooms, she emits an odor likened to rotting flesh.
The Corpse Flower Takes Center Stage
Native to the rainforests of western Sumatra, Indonesia, the Amorphophallus titanum, or corpse flower, is an endangered species rarely cultivated outside its natural habitat. The plant’s towering size and pungent odor have earned it a bevy of colorful names, from the “large misshapen penis” (amorpho = misshapen, phallus = penis) to Putricia, an inventive moniker combining “putrid” and “Patricia” bestowed by Sydney Botanic Garden staff.
As word spreads of Putricia’s impending bloom, locals and tourists alike are flocking to the greenhouse hosting this malodorous marvel. But it’s the online community where Putricia has truly taken root, blossoming into an unlikely cult hero.
The Livestream That Launched a Thousand Memes
With a bloom lasting only 1-2 days, most admirers must content themselves with watching Putricia via livestream. And watch they have, with thousands tuning in from around the globe to witness her big moment. The live chat has become a hotbed of Putricia fandom, with viewers crafting elaborate memes, acronyms, and in-jokes celebrating their fetid flower queen.
Putricia for president!
WDNEA: We Do Not Eat Putricia
BBTB: Blessed Be the Bloom
– Assorted quips from the Putricia livestream chat
The fandom has even spilled over onto platforms like Discord, where a rapidly growing server hosts Putricia fan art, Spotify playlists, and lively discussions. For many, the allure lies not just in Putricia herself, but in the sense of community she has engendered.
It’s just become kind of this bizarre creative energy that sprung up around her, and I think a lot of people are just really drawn to that.
– Beatrice Callaghan, Putricia Discord moderator
A Whiff of Hope in Uncertain Times
So what is it about this putrid plant that has captured hearts and minds worldwide? Sydney Botanic Garden horticulturalist Daniella Pasqualini has a theory:
Does she represent hope? Or is it just simply a distraction from things? … Cost of living, housing crisis, Donald Trump, all this stuff happening …
– Daniella Pasqualini, Sydney Botanic Garden
Whatever the reason, there’s no denying Putricia’s blooming is a bright spot of levity and wonder in an often gloomy news cycle. As one Discord user put it, “Putricia is the only vibe we need for 2025.”
The Lifecycle of an Unlikely Icon
Of course, no flower blooms forever, not even one as grand and gruesome as the corpse flower. Within a day or two, Putricia will wither, her spathe closing around the central spadix as the famous stench fades. But her impact, ephemeral as her flowering, is sure to linger.
For in a world beset by division and despair, Putricia has united green thumbs and black thumbs, botanists and memers, in shared anticipation and awe. She may be a misshapen, reeking wreck of a flower, but for a brief, beautiful moment, Putricia is our putrescent queen – long may she reign.
