Corpse Flower: Annie Dubrovskaya's journal

Even before the bloom our visitors are fascinated

By Annie Dubrovskaya

Davis, Aug. 13 -- Anticipation is rising prior to Tabatha’s official arrival as a bloom ready for action. Crowds of curious people are stopping by the greenhouses and admiring the bloom.

So many are coming, in fact, that we had to rearrange Tabatha’s surroundings to accommodate the visitors. We moved plant benches, installed temporary floors on the gravel beds and took many plants out of the vicinity so as to allow an unencumbered view of the precious baby. 

The head house also received a facelift: The multitude of dirty pots is gone; one table has been converted to a “GAP” store display featuring science shirts; and all surfaces are kept clean. The resident angelfish in the fish tank can’t even recognize the view of his old room!

People seem unfazed that Tabatha has not yet opened. They are happy to witness her bud and later will return for a glimpse of the flower. I see it as a "before and after" thing.

Now is the time for them to ask questions regarding Tabatha, her structure, resident leaves and Sumatran habitat. Our curator, Ernesto, appears to be a broken record explaining the same thing to each new incoming group: "This is the corm, yup! … This is Ted’s 8-month-old leaf. … We expect her to bloom Friday to Saturday."

He’s amazing, sometimes grabbing a quick lunch between visitors and still having enough time to talk and help his aids and volunteers.

Although we try to help, he is the brains of the operation and the one who can answer any question, anytime.