'Pewtunia' the Corpse Flower to stink up Houston Zoo

HOUSTON

In a few days, the Zoo says guests will only have to follow their noses to find 'Pewtunia' the Corpse Flower at her home near the Koolookamba Cave along the Forest Walk in The African Forest.

"We expect Pewtunia to bloom and to begin emitting the Corpse Flower's unmistakable and characteristic odor in 7 to 10 days," said Houston Zoo Horticulture Manager Joe Williams.

Seven years old, Pewtunia weighs 19 pounds and stands 35 inches tall, and she's growing rapidly.

"Corpse Flowers are really amazing plants. Pewtunia added four inches in height in just one day last weekend. By the time she blooms she'll be between four and six feet tall," said Williams.

The Zoo says experts will be on hand throughout the week to answer guests' questions at 10am and 2pm each day.

Guests may follow Pewtunia's progress on the Houston Zoo website's home page at Houstonzoo.org, on Twitter @HoustonZoo and on the Houston Zoo's Facebook page at Facebook.com/houstonzoo.

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