Crowds flock to see flowers that smell like dead rats

Thousands of tourists are flocking to Australia to catch a whiff of one of the most foul-smelling flowers on Earth.

The appropriately-named corpse flower, or Titan arum, emits a stench that experts equate to the smell of “dead rats” -- although it’s also been likened to the stinky cheese and smelly feet.

Because the corpse flower blooms just once for 48 hours every few years, Botanic Gardens in Adelaide has been swamped with visitors hoping to check out the rare occurrence, says horticulture curator Matt Coulter.

“It’s the most incredible plant in the world,” says Coulter, who admits the smell of the corpse flower makes him gag. “It’s been a wonderful journey to be part of it.”

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