A rare plant known as the corpse flower bloomed in Sydney on Friday for the first time in more than a decade, emitting an odour likened to rotting flesh and delighting thousands who queued for a whiff.

Sydney’s budding botanists and horticultural hobbyists are on the edge of their seats, waiting in anticipation to find out if today is the day one of the world’s rarest flowers blooms right here in the Harbour City.

The flower's Latin name translates as "giant, misshapen penis." But it's better known to locals as "Putricia." Royal Botanical Garden Sydney has even set up a livestream in anticipation.