Last week the big stink around here was briefly in the backyard. Each year I watch and wait as this lovely bloom emerges. Sadly this past week it was trashed by heavy rains so it’s not looking nearly so nice right now. (Oh, the ephemeral beauties of the garden that we plant weirdos cherish!)
I tried to get up close and personal with the bloom to show where the many different bugs were busy working. The reason these gorgeous flowers stink like month-old garbage is to attract the right pollinators. This bloom may have been short-lived, but it did its job well. I saw at least a dozen bugs in there while I was leaning over inspecting their activities.
Standing this close to the bloom was not pleasant so please forgive me for not having zoomed in more.
I also suggest that you never attempt to use this bloom in any kind of floral arrangement unless it is displayed behind thick glass.
Do you have these where you live?
Amateur Bot-ann-ist 