The Exotic Corpse Flower: Titan Arum

Cal Poly's Dramatic and Fleeting Star!

OCTOBER 2025
BY EILEEN ODANAKA VAVRA / PHOTOS BY JOE JOHNSTON

Scroll below to see the photo gallery!

Like many other charismatic celebrities, Cal Poly Plant Conservatory's latest star came onto the scene with a surprise entrance, a dramatic name, spectacular beauty and a lasting impression on the senses. The star was a corpse flower (titan arum) named "Sneaky" that made its sensory impression with a foul odor reminiscent of rotting flesh.

The rare bloom was called Sneaky because it caught the Plant Conservatory folks off-guard with its sudden appearance in late June. Like all titan arum blooms, Sneaky's lifespan was a short one, but hundreds of curious and adoring fans were able to visit the Plant Conservatory in time to be in the presence of its botanical greatness.

Read: The Stench of Summertime: A Reborn Corpse Flower Blooms on Campus

FAQs
ABOUT A FOUL SMELLING FLOWER

ANSWERS BY DR. MATT RITTER

(shown in photo with Sneaky)
Cal Poly Plant Conservatory Director
and Biological Sciences Professor

Does the plant have other names?

Yes. Corpse plant, Titan arum, Amorphophallus titanum and bunga bangkai are a few of those names.

Why is the corpse flower so stinky?

Corpse flowers use chemical trickery to mimic the odor of rotting flesh to attract carrion beetles and flies, who help provide pollination. Our Sneaky definitely earned its name!

How big to corpse flower plants get?

A corpse flower bloom can grow to more than 12 feet in height. The entire plant can reach up to 20 feet tall. Sneaky peaked at approximately 40 inches tall by 36 inches wide.