The long wait is finally over for visitors who have been yearning for a whiff of a giant flower that smells like rotting flesh.
The giant rainforest plant known as a "corpse flower" for its terrible smell began blooming on Sunday afternoon at the US Botanic Garden next to the Capitol. Experts had been anticipating its bloom for more than a week and have extended the garden's hours for visitors.
Garden officials expect the flower to hit "peak smell" early on Monday, and remain open for one or two days.
The flower is officially known as the titan arum. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, and was discovered in 1878.
Scientists say the flower's odour attracts insects that are normally drawn to rotting flesh.
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