Stinky flower blooming at Western Illinois

MACOMB— A giant flower found in the rainforests of Indonesia is blooming at Western Illinois University and ready for visitors. But you may want to pack some nose plugs.

For the third time since last year, a Titan Arum or “Corpse Flower” is on display at the university’s greenhouse. The flower got the nickname because when it blooms it smells like rotting meat.

The rare flower is in the same scientific family as calla lilies and philodendrons. It can grow to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide.

Visitors can see the flower at the WIU greenhouse or read about it on the blog of greenhouse manager, Jeff Hillyer.