An Odor Most Foul?

(1/8/2011)

The Rafflesia is one of the world's largest flowers and, because of its distinctive odor, is often called the "corpse flower" inspired by the smell of decaying flesh it often emits. Two of the rare flowers have been discovered growing near graves by mourners attending a cremation ceremony at the Mumbul Cemetery on Wednesday, January 5, 2011.

A rare bloom usually found in the rain forests of Sumatra, the flower blooms only for a few days, only blossoming when it is ready to reproduce. Its notorious stench attracts insects, such as flies, which play a role in the pollination of the parasitic flower.

Banjar Undagi villagers living near the flower told Beritabali.com contend that the flower, despite its reputation, was not emitting a foul odor.

The flowers were found near a grave on Wednesday, January 5, 2011. Villager took the initiative or erecting a protective fence around the flower, the largest of which measures 50 centimeters.

All concerned are pleased to note that although known as corpse flower the specimen growing at the cemetery is, at least thus far, not emitting the unwanted odor that would be particularly awkward at Bali's main place of human interment.