The dracunculus vulgaris, commonly known as the voodoo lily,
began flowering on Thursday and will emit a strong stench of putrid
meat for about a week, botanic gardens general manager David Sole
said.
"It's quite pretty when the flower begins to emerge, then
becomes more grotesque," he said.
"A spadix (spike) about 700mm (27.5 inches) grows, it's a deep
wine violet and smells like carrion."
Sole said the plant, native to the Aegean, originally belonged
to a member of the public, who donated it to the botanic garden
because of the overpowering odour.
