Worst-Smelling Flowers in the World
Titan arum, corpse flower The titan arum, the first of two flowers in this list nicknamed the corpse flower, carries the unfortunate designation of being "the worst smelling flower in the world."
Eastern skunk cabbage This flower's name gives away what the bloom smells like: roadkill skunk. It grows naturally in the wetland soils of eastern North America, and lures in flies and stoneflies for pollination.
Rafflesia arnoldii, corpse flower Rafflesia arnoldii produces the largest individual flower in the world. You might be impressed by one, until you got close enough to take a whiff. The nickname it shares with titan arum, corpse flower, tells you everything you need to know about its aroma.
Hydnora africana This fleshy flower, which is found in southern Africa, is known for having the appearance of female genitalia. The odor that it exudes, however, is more reminiscent of another bodily orifice. Yes, that's right: it smells like feces.
Carob tree The blooms of the carob tree might look innocuous, but this is one tree you wouldn't want to seek shade under for a picnic. Male flowers are known to produce the fairly distinct odor of semen.
Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis Orchids are renowned the world over for being a family of flowering plants that produce spectacular, intricate blooms. But the largest genus of orchids, Bulbophyllum, is also known to contain some real stinkers.
Helicodiceros muscivorus, dead horse arum The flies buzzing around this depiction of the Helicodiceros muscivorus flower are no joke — they are part of any encounter. Its name is also apt, as the stench smells like rotting dead horse. Of course, the smell attracts flies, which in turn act as pollinators.
Stapelia gigantea The fuzzy, mesmerizing, starlike bloom of this plant is captivating enough to draw you in — but the stench is sure to drive you away. Stapelia gigantea is a carrion flower, and emits the stench of rotting flesh.
Dracunculus vulgaris A few of the common names for this flower and its close relatives include the voodoo lily, snake lily, stink lily, the black dragon and dragonwort. In a phrase, this is one vulgar-smelling bloom.