Giant Rafflesia Bloom in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Context

• Location: West Sumatra, Indonesia
• Search has been ongoing for a week for Rafflesia blooms
• Guides and quarters have been sent out with no results until recently

Discovery of Rafflesia Annaldii

• Species: Rafflesia annaldii
  • Largest flower in the world
  • The biggest of the Rafflesia genus
• Current Status: Blooming

Description of the Flower

• Structure:
  • Composed of five large petals
  • Petals are bright orange with a warty texture
• Appearance:
  • Resembles carrion (dead flesh)
  • Inside has hairs similar to a dead corpse

Pollination and Lifecycle

• Attraction:
  • Color and smell attract carrion flies and other pollinators
  • Smells like rotten fish
• Bloom Lifecycle:
  • Lasts only 6-7 days
  • After blooming, the flower dies and rots

Parasitic Nature

• Host Vine: Tetrastechma vine
  • Rafflesia is a parasite
  • Has no leaves, consists of fiber within the host vine

Development of Buds

• Current Buds:
  • Example bud is 6 months old, requiring 3-6 more months to mature and bloom
• Energy Source:
  • The Tetrastigma vine supports the growth, providing energy for the flower

Further Exploration

• There may be more buds developing in the forest
• Exploration continues to find additional blooms