Stunning timelapse footage shows a corpse flower blooming after eight years in Colorado.

The rare event was recorded inside the garden of Colorado State University in Fort Collins on May 25. The plant, named by caretakers ‘Cosmo,' arrived at the school's Plant Growth Facilities with the help of manager Tammy Brenner in 2016.

The video shows thousands of curious students, teachers, and visitors, estimated to be 8,600, gathering at the front of the plant as it blossomed.

Onlookers described the smell as a ‘rotting Cheeto pie' and ‘decaying meat.'

Shiv Tuck, who monitored the flower's progress through the university's online livestream, said: ‘I've been watching religious to see when it would bloom. Do we need to get in line? Should we camp?'

Another onlooker, Bill Zanca, a university alumnus, added: ‘It's such a gorgeous plant; it's just amazing to see such a thing. I've never seen a plant like that before, so that's pretty awesome.'

Researchers studied Cosmo and conducted experiments ranging from air quality measurements and other sample collections.

The corpse flower, scientifically known as Amorphophallus titanum, is renowned for its massive size and pungent aroma, which attracts pollinators like carrion beetles and flies.

Native to Sumatra, Indonesia, these rare plants are increasingly cultivated in botanical gardens and universities to aid conservation efforts and deepen understanding of their unique biology.

Cosmo, born from plants named Maudine and Woody, originally from Ohio State University, has become a symbol of botanical curiosity and conservation at CSU. Despite its periodic dormancy, Brenner ensures the plant receives meticulous care throughout the year, ensuring its health and readiness for future blooms.