The enigmatic Rafflesia
The genus Rafflesia is one of the strangest plant – a parasitic flowering plant. It has no leaves, stems and roots and its bud takes a good nine months before blooming. Its flowers are one of the biggest in the world. So far I have only documented 3 species out of 42 known species,
Rafflesia priceii (Sabah). Found in the national park, rangers protected the flower with a wire mesh cage and removed it only for visitors to appreciate. Rodents and squirrels may nibble away the flower.
Rafflesia keithii (Sabah) Model – Albert Norman. Lower right, the flower was found on private land and was barricaded, so visitors can only watch it from a distance.
Rafflesia kerrii (Kelantan, Malaysia) Model- Hamzah. Almost a daily guarantee when in season and only the orang asli will be able to escort the visitors to their famed flower.
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