Giant penis flower about to bloom

The exotic amorphophallus titanum in Botanical Gardens may flower in the next couple of days

It usually only happens once every 15 years, but they must be nurturing their plants gently at the Botanical Gardens of Copenhagen.

An exotic flower known as Amorphophallus titanum – meaning 'giant deformed penis' – may bloom in the days around 9 July, only two years after the last time the spadix stood straight up to attention, the gardeners of the Botanical Gardens announced today.

Rotten stench
The strange plant can reach three metres in height and grows in the tropical rainforests of the Indonesian island Sumatra. It has earned its other name, ‘corpse flower’, from the infamous foul stench it releases to attract pollinating insects.

While the Botanical Gardens is encouraging everyone to come and witness the rare phenomenon, visitors should also be prepared for a stench that closely resembles the smell of a rotting animal.

When it last bloomed, it attracted nearly 15,000 people and international media who came to catch a glimpse of the giant penis flower in full bloom – a period that is expected to last one to three days.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs