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CURRENT EVENT | April 10, 2024

Rare Stinky Corpse Flower

The corpse flower has an unusual look and smell. A huge plant native to Sumatra, it blooms only once every few years and when it does, it emits a foul smell similar to that of rotting meat. When a corpse flower recently burst into bloom at the San Diego Botanical Garden, curious visitors from around the country rushed to see - and smell - the rare event. Listen to hear a plant expert explain more about this “rock star plant,” and find out how the corpse flower’s awful smell helps it survive.

Story Length: 4:05

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SOURCE:

National Public Radio © 2023 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.

07/06/2023


Listening Comprehension Questions

  • How does the president of the botanical garden describe the smell of the corpse flower?
  • What is the purpose of the foul odor emitted by the corpse flower?
  • How does the president of the botanical garden describe the flowering cycle of the corpse flower?
  • Why are corpse flowers rare in nature, and what contributes to their scarcity?
  • Why is the corpse flower described as “the rock star plant of the plant world”?

Classroom Discussion Themes

  • What makes the corpse flower such a unique and interesting plant?
  • What are some other ways that plants attract insects and birds to help them pollinate?