Rafflesia arnoldii is a member of the genus Rafflesia. It is noted
for producing the largest individual flower on earth. It has a very strong and
horrible odor of decaying flesh, earning it the nickname "corpse
flower".
This flower was discovered in 1822 during a jungle expedition in
Sumatra, and is considered to be the largest flower in the world. It can grow
to be up to one meter in diameter, and weigh as much as 25 lbs. Despite its
size, it is incredibly difficult to find because it takes 9-21 months for plant
to develop, and the flower lasts for a maximum of five days. Some who have been
able to come in contact with the flower describe it as smelling like a
decomposing carcass.
Rafflesia arnoldii is a member of the genus Rafflesia. It is noted
for producing the largest individual flower on earth. It has a very strong and
horrible odor of decaying flesh, earning it the nickname "corpse
flower". It is endemic to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.[1]
Although there are some plants with larger flowering organs like the titan arum
(Amorphophallus titanum) and talipot palm (Corypha umbraculifera), those are
technically clusters of many flowers.
Rafflesia arnoldii (Indonesian: padma raksasa) is one of the three
national flowers in Indonesia, the other two being the white jasmine and moon
orchid. It was officially recognized as a national "rare flower"
(Indonesian: puspa langka) in Presidential Decree No. 4 in 1993
The flower of Rafflesia arnoldii grows to a diameter of around one
meter (3 ft) and weighs up to 11 kilograms(24 lb). It lives as a parasite on
the Tetrastigma vine, which grows only in primary (undisturbed) rainforests.
Rafflesia lacks any observable leaves, stems or even roots, yet is still
considered a vascular plant. Similar to fungi, individuals grow as thread-like
strands of tissue completely embedded within and in intimate contact with
surrounding host cells from which nutrients and water are obtained. This plant
produces no leaves, stems or roots and does not have chlorophyll. It can only
be seen when it is ready to reproduce. Perhaps the only part of Rafflesia that
is identifiable as distinctly plant-like are the flowers; although, even these
are unusual since they attain massive proportions, have a reddish-brown
coloration and stink of rotting flesh. This scent attracts insects such as
flies which then pollinate the rare plant. It is not to be confused with the
titan arum, Amorphophallus titanum, which is also commonly referred to as the
"corpse flower" because of its repulsive odor.
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