The world's largest flower is in bloom — but you might not want to sniff this one.
Known as the "corpse flower," the rafflesia tuan-mudae emits an odor that mimics rotting meat to attract insects, reports Phys.org.
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Scientists discovered the parasitic plant on Dec. 24, and it bloomed "perfectly" on Wednesday, in alignment with the new year, reports The Jakarta Post. The conservation agency gave the flower VIP treatment with tight security and a sign warning people that the plant is protected by law.
But beauty is fleeting, and the bloom will last for just one week before it rots away.
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