Phil the Stinky Corpse Flower is Back in Bloom... Almost

By Lindsay Aymar

One of CNSM's famous Corpse Flowers, Phil, has begun another bloom, set to be in full florescence sometime in the week of June 16, 2025! This will be Phil's third bloom since 2019 - Botanical Curator and Technician, Brian Thorson, explained some of the science behind Phil's flowering and subsequent stink:

"The exclusive nature of its blooming adds to the uniqueness of the size and smell of the corpse flower. This species, Amorphophallus titanum, bears the largest inflorescence (flower stalk) known in the plant kingdom. It is a carrion flower - a reference to its adaptations that mimic decomposing flesh, with colors/markings that look like flesh and aromatics that mimic the stench of decomposition, this the common name, 'corpse flower.' It also generates heat by exothermic reactions in the phallic spadix. Collectively, these features attract carrion beetles and other insects to pollinate the flowers."

CNSM will host viewings of Phil once he has fully bloomed, so follow us on Instagram @CSULBCNSM or here for updates on when you can see (and smell) Phil for yourself!

Livestream

See what Phil looks like in real time!

Quick Facts about Phil

  • Phil's name comes from Brian Thorson's mentor and CSULB Professor Emeritus Dr. Philip Baker, who was an instructor in plant taxonomy (now called plant systematics). The campus's first corpse flower, Laura, was named after Dr. Laura Kingsford, who was the previous dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
  • Phil is approximately 17 years old. It was brought to CSULB as a seedling in 2009.
  • This is Phil's third bloom. It first bloomed in 2019, and then again in 2021.
  • Phil is not just one flower. It is made up of many clusters of flowers, ranging from 70 to 200 flowers on each bloom.
  • Phil's bloom only lasts for 24 to 36 hours before the bloom wilts and collapses.
  • Phil is a perennial and will continue to bloom if it is well-nurtured. Corpse flowers typically bloom every three to seven years.
  • Phil's main pollinators are carrion beetles and flesh flies. To attract these pollinators, Phil's bloom mimics rotting flesh by heating up to about 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, changing its color to deep purple and emitting a rotten flesh smell.
  • Phil is native to the rainforests of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.