Crowds flock to smell World’s Stinkiest Flowers

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In Geelong, Australia, thousands of visitors gathered to see the rare bloom of the “corpse flower,” known for its foul odour resembling rotting meat.

This massive plant, officially called the Titan Arum, flowers only once every seven to ten years and for just one or two days. The Geelong Botanic Gardens stayed open 24 hours during the event to accommodate over 20,000 curious onlookers.

Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, the corpse flower can grow up to three meters tall. It produces its stinky smell to attract pollinators like flies and beetles. Once the flower opens, the powerful odour lasts a short time before the bloom collapses.

Botanical experts explained that after the bloom ends, the plant begins storing energy for its next flowering, a process that can take nearly a decade. The event gave visitors a rare chance to experience one of nature’s most fascinating and smelly spectacles.

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SMART Prep | Quick Question 210662

Dear Diary,

Today our team practised for the regional netball tournament after school. At the start, we were tense and kept making mistakes in the passing drill. Then our coach reminded us to slow down, call clearly, and trust each other. After that, our movement improved and the whole court felt more organised. We still have work to do, but I left training feeling much more confident than I did yesterday.

Mia

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