A new study published on September 20 in the journal Plants, People, Planet, warns that most species of the Rafflesia flower, the largest flower in the world, are at risk of extinction.
The largest flower in the world, Rafflesia – (Photo: Dr. Chris Thorogood).
To reach this conclusion, a team of international botanists examined 42 known species of Rafflesia and their habitats, primarily in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
The results indicate that due to the rapid disappearance of forest habitats, along with inadequate conservation strategies and protection plans, this plant species is increasingly at greater risk than before.
The largest flower in the world, Rafflesia – (Photo: Dr. Chris Thorogood).
The researchers estimate that “60% of Rafflesia species are facing severe extinction risk.” Some species may even become extinct before they are scientifically recognized.
However, the study also highlights some bright spots in conservation efforts, including successful propagation at a botanical garden in West Java and sustainable ecotourism surrounding this plant in West Sumatra (Indonesia).
The largest flower in the world, Rafflesia – (Photo: Dr. Chris Thorogood).
Prior to this study, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified one of the species of this flower as “critically endangered.”
Rafflesia is a parasitic plant that grows on tropical vines throughout Southeast Asia, producing the largest flowers in the world, with diameters of up to 1.2 meters.
These gigantic flowers, with their red-spotted appearance, grow unpredictably and remain a mystery. During their blooming period, they emit a smell akin to rotting flesh to attract flies for pollination. Afterward, the flower wilts to begin a new cycle.
Due to their growth in quite restricted areas, Rafflesia is particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction. Currently, botanists have been able to propagate this flower outside of its natural environment, but the efforts remain modest.
