What it is: Amorphophallus titanum, commonly called the titan arum or corpse flower, a flowering plant native to the rainforests of Sumatra.
Where it is: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE. The Princess of Wales Conservatory holds the collection; bloom announcements are posted on Kew's website and social channels.
Why it matters: The flower can grow to more than three metres tall and emits a smell of rotting flesh to attract carrion beetles and flesh flies for pollination. Kew first bloomed one in 1889 and has since raised several generations from seed. Between blooms, the plant exists as a single enormous leaf.
