The rare titan arum — which is a type of carrion flower — has the world’s largest and stinkiest flower spike and blooms for only 24 hours, during which it omits an odour that’s been compared to wet socks or rotting cat food.

Thousands have flocked to witness the corpse flower this week. Source: AAP / Steven Saphore

Over the past week, more than 5,000 people have lined up to see Putricia, while more than 500,000 have tuned in to the live stream.

Many online viewers calling themselves “Putricia stans” have been tuning in from near and far.

Putricia was expected to reach peak stink on Thursday afternoon and remain open for several days.

The Royal Botanic Garden stayed open until midnight on Thursday night to allow fans to get a glimpse of ‘Putricia’. Source: AAP / Steven Saphore

“I would sacrifice my family for Putricia,” one viewer who was watching the unfurling online said.

— Additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.