Beauty in the Boroughs: The Bronx
And Vegan Food

When I heard that the Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus Titanum) bloomed at New York Botanical Garden, I knew I would be there the next day. Besides the scent, which has been described as rotting meat, it is the largest unbranched flower in the Plant Kingdom!

But first, an opportunity to highlight a great eatery in Mott Haven in the South Bronx, Mottley Kitchen.

This place is really top notch. Not only do they have vegan options but they sell local vegan chocolate cups that I should have bought. They also have a turmeric latte, which is my must order when its available. But wait, I haven’t even mentioned this avocado toast yet.!

It was perfect. Thick grilled bread, ample avocado, hot sauce, cilantro and delicious roasted pepitas. It hit every note.

I am really drooling looking at this again. Simple done right is the best kind of breakfast. And it feels good to support this community.

So NYBG was pretty hopping thanks to the gorgeous day and that whole dead flower trending on the local news. It was the smell that was totally appealing to me. How bad could it smell?! We were going to wait in line to find out! How wonderful all these folks are who would wait in line to see this flower. I was tearing up observing their excitement.

This thing. It’s HUGE. But I didn’t smell anything too yucky! I mean, I was unshowered and it was really hot out. So I basically smelled worse than the Corpse Flower. I should charge everyone to smell me!

Ah, but the functional perfection of the natural world! The stench, which may “warm up” after being bloomed longer, serves to attract insects that like to feast on dead things. And yes, it heats itself to human body temperature to spread its odor.

Of course, some strolling in the gardens afterwards. A lot had already bloomed and died. But in the contemplative space of lush green I started to fall deep in my thoughts… mostly about how beautiful plants can be when they “need something.” And how, after, they become muted and nondescript so their friends can get what they need. It sounded better in my head and when validated by numerous examples as I walked the grounds.

These reminded me of Texas. Why does that feel like years ago?

Black and yellow, black and yellow, black and yellow (and pink)

These looked like candies. Strawberry, orange, lemon.

Always a great pleasure, New York Botanical Garden.