Visitors to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew may soon be treated to one of nature's rarest and smelliest spectacles, as horticulturists say a titan arum is just days away from blooming.

Also known as the "corpse flower", the Amorphophallus titanum is famed for producing a powerful odour to rotting meat when it flowers.

The plant is currently growing inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory, where staff have been closely monitoring its rapid development.

Solene Dequiret, manager of the conservatory, said it is difficult to predict exactly when the plant will bloom but confirmed it is expected within days. The bud has already grown to more than 2.2 metres tall and is increasing in height by around 8cm each day.

The titan arum, native to the rainforests of Sumatra, is known for its unpredictability and rarity. It can take many years to reach maturity, and when it finally flowers, the bloom lasts for just 48 to 72 hours.

When it opens, the plant produces one of the largest flowering structures in the world, sometimes reaching up to three metres tall. Its infamous smell is an evolutionary trait designed to attract pollinators such as carrion flies, while the central spike generates heat to help disperse the scent.

Tom Pickering, Head of Glasshouses Collections at Kew, said: "The moment you step into the glasshouse, its unmistakable stench hits you right in the face and overwhelms your senses. And yet, despite this, it is one of our most popular attractions."

Behind the scenes, Kew cares for around 40 titan arum plants of varying ages, many grown from seeds donated by the Botanic Garden at the University of Bonn.

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The collection plays an important role in conservation, as the species is listed as endangered due to deforestation and habitat loss.

Botanic gardens like Kew help preserve such plants through cultivation, as titan arum seeds cannot be stored in seed banks and must be maintained as living specimens.

Members of the public hoping to witness the bloom are being encouraged to follow Kew's social media channels for updates on when the plant will open.

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