General News
6 June, 2026
Plant is talk of the gardens
THE ‘Titan Arum’ plant, known as the corpse flower because of its odour, is about to bloom at the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
The largest Titan Arum in Cairns – Hannibal – is due to bloom by June 2026. Keep an eye on the Cairns Botanic Gardens Facebook page for updates.
In the meantime, learn more about the perfect insect trapping pitcher plant at the Friends of the Botanic Gardens’ talk on Wednesday June 10.
Guest speaker Dr Charles Clarke, curator of the Cairns Botanic Gardens, believes “every pitcher tells a story” and his talk showcases his studies of carnivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes) in Southeast Asia.
Dr Clarke’s involvement with these plants started more than 40 years ago, when he became fascinated by the variety in shape, size and colour of the insect-catching pitchers.
His talk showcases some of the key findings of his research, along with the plants, animals and places he visited along the way.
The FOBG talks are held the second Wednesday of the month at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, behind Tank sixty four café. No bookings are needed, just pay at the door, with FOBG members $5, and non-members $10. The evening starts at 6pm.
