Eastern Illinois University’s H.F. Thut Greenhouse, is eagerly awaiting the sixth blooming of EIU’s Titan Arum – also known as the Corpse Flower. Photo submitted by Eastern Illinois University.
For Immediate Release
EIU’s Corpse Flower expected to bloom in late June/early July
(Charleston, IL) Steven Malehorn, manager of Eastern Illinois University’s H.F. Thut Greenhouse, is eagerly awaiting the sixth blooming of EIU’s Titan Arum – also known as the Corpse Flower. The plant previously bloomed in 2008, 2010 and 2012, 2014 and 2016.
The developing Corpse Flower, technically an inflorescence, could grow to be more than eight feet tall and four feet wide this time, and according to Malehorn, “will hopefully smell really nasty.”
“Continued development depends on the weather,” Malehorn said. “Cool and overcast conditions will slow development, whereas hot and humid conditions will speed development. I expect it to bloom around June 30, plus or minus two days.”
The developing Corpse Flower can be viewed anytime through the south window of the Thut Greenhouse on EIU’s campus. The greenhouse will be open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the duration of the event. It will be open until midnight on the day the Corpse Flower blooms. The greenhouse will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day following the bloom. Visitors can enter the greenhouse through the east or west door. Wheelchair access into the greenhouse will be through the south courtyard gate and greenhouse west door. Visitors can park for free in lots west of Fourth Street or south of Garfield Avenue in non-staff lots. The University Police Department also offers one-day parking passes for $1.50.
The web site http://www.eiu.edu/grnhouse/titan_arum.php has information, pictures and a daily blog that will provide visitors with frequent updates. The Thut Greenhouse Twitter account @ThutGreenhouse will also provide updates. The EIU Biological Sciences YouTube channel also will carry live streaming video of the event.
For more information about EIU’s Corpse Flower or additional viewing accommodations, contact Malehorn at shmalehorn@eiu.edu, or call (217) 581-3126.
